uk-pilgrimages

Walking for the St Francis Leprosy Guild!

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 08:30:27 GMT

On 27th April 2026 I will set out from Florence to walk the Via di Francesco to Assisi and on to Rome. The walk is 322 miles long and very hilly! I am walking to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi and to support the St Francis Leprosy Guild. You can find out more about the Way here .

St Francis of Assisi (c.1181–3 October 1226) was an Italian mystic, poet and friar who founded the Franciscan religious order. He lived a life of poverty, becoming a beggar and itinerant preacher. Francis was also a pilgrim who undertook long journeys on foot. In 1219, during the Fifth Crusade, Francis went to Egypt where a Crusader army had been encamped for over a year besieging the walled city of Damietta. He met Sultan, Al-Kamil, a nephew of Saladin, in the hope of securing peace and reconcliliation. Francis is known for his love of creation making him a saint for our times of war, conflict and environmental crises.

One of the turning points in Francis' early life was his encounter with a man suffering from leprosy. As a youth from a wealthy family the sight of someone suffering with this illness would fill Francis with fear and disgust. He would often turn away and walk in the opposite direction. One day while riding his horse in the countryside Francis spotted a someone with leprosy. His instinct, as always, was to turn back however, on this occasion Francis dismounted his horse, and warmly embraced the afflicted man. This meeting was to be a pivotal point in his life.

As a medical student in India I saw the devastating consequences of this disease. I am therefore walking the Way of St Francis to raise funds for the St Francis Leprosy Guild. If you would like to support them in this important work please see the information below.

Thank you.

Phil McCarthy, Hearts in Search of God project lead

St Francis Leprosy Guild

The St Francis Leprosy Guild believes that a leprosy-free world is within sight; if not today, then soon.

If you would like to support the Guild's work please click on the button below.

Thank you.

'Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.'

St Francis of Assisi

The English Camino: Stockport, Ampleforth and Cambridge

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 07:43:05 GMT

Three groups of pilgrims set out on foot to Our Lady’s Shrine in Walsingham—sharing hardship, prayer and friendship, and reviving an ancient English tradition.

This year, three groups of pilgrims set out on foot to Our Blessed Mother’s Shrine in Walsingham—from Stockport, Ampleforth Abbey and Cambridge. It was the fourth successive Lenten pilgrimage from Stockport, the second from Cambridge, and the inaugural pilgrimage from Ampleforth Abbey.

How the walk began

The walk began in 2023, inspired by Fr Jimmy Collins, who made the pilgrimage to Walsingham from Liverpool. I had also taken part in a walking pilgrimage to Knock in County Mayo, Ireland, since I was 13 years old. After a turbulent period in my life, and leaving my career as a teacher, I felt a natural call to walk—and, following Fr Jimmy’s example, the only place I wanted to go was Walsingham. I had first heard of Walsingham only a couple of years earlier, but as I began to read its history and understand its significance as a place of pilgrimage, I knew I had to go.

My first pilgrimage in 2023 was offered in thanksgiving for everything I have—to give something back to God for all he has done in my life. Several friends joined me along the way, though we joked that anyone who came for a day ended up injured. Covering 170 miles in seven days is not for the faint-hearted—or the unprepared. One man, Steve Conlon, met me just outside Nottingham and, although injured, committed to accompany me for the rest of the journey. He would travel ahead by bus or train and meet me as I walked into the next town that evening. On some days he would join me for ten miles or so before flagging down a bus.

The challenge—and the stories that came out of that first experience—resonated with men I’d become friends with through the Men of St Joseph. When I came back, they started asking almost immediately about the following year, and whether they could join me. I said, “I’ll plan it for you—though I doubt I’ll have the holidays in the new job I’m starting.” As the saying goes: if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans. In March 2024, I was free and able to walk, and 22 other pilgrims joined me. On that second walk, the purpose became clearer: we offered the pilgrimage as an act of reparation. Walsingham itself is a powerful symbol of what is lost when we walk away from God.

An intention: walking in reparation

Every pilgrimage should be offered for an intention, and ours was clear: reparation for all those who had walked away from God. Reparation was about taking responsibility; we, too, had walked away from God in our lives. Each of us had turned away through sin. So we set out with a deliberate desire to repair what we had damaged through disobedience, and to pray for what had been damaged by others throughout the generations in this land. What better way was there than to echo our ancestors—and re-establish the ancient practice of walking pilgrimage?

For over 400 years, pilgrims from every part of Great Britain—and indeed from across Christendom—processed to this place of grace. Many discovered that, in an important sense, the journey became as significant as the destination. Those who set out endured hardship, pain and fatigue, alongside joy, insight and renewed fervour in the Lord. The journey, though physical, often deepened into something profoundly spiritual. Stepping away from daily routines created space for God to speak. Pilgrimage changed a person from within, and gave grace to live more fully when they returned home.

This wasn’t unique to our corner of Christendom. Scripture itself was marked by journeys: after Adam and Eve left the Garden, the long road back to God began. Abraham lived as a traveller, as did his descendants. Then came the Exodus—forty years of journeying toward the promised land. Israel’s feasts drew the people on pilgrimage to the Temple. The Holy Family also travelled: to Bethlehem, to Jerusalem for the Presentation, and later to Egypt. Jesus, too, walked from place to place throughout his public ministry—forming disciples as they journeyed with him.

God continued to place this call on the hearts of men—just as he had throughout salvation history: “Pick up your cross and follow me.” This year I watched that call bear fruit again, as three walks took place and more than 30 pilgrims arrived in Walsingham.

Three routes, one destination

Each walk was a distinct expression of the same call to pilgrimage.

Stockport. The Stockport walk was well established: the roads were well trodden and the route had settled. Eighteen pilgrims completed nine demanding days, with five others joining for different sections.
Cambridge. The Cambridge pilgrimage—jokingly referred to as the “pilgrimage lite” for its shorter, flatter route—was also well established. This year’s group of seven arrived much better prepared than the inaugural walk 12 months earlier.
Ampleforth Abbey. The most striking journey this year came from Ampleforth: a father and son completed an uncharted route through Yorkshire, over the Humber Bridge, and joined the Stockport walk just east of Holbeach. The son, Bertie, was only 14 and had never undertaken a challenge like this before. Seeing Bertie and his dad, Andrew, walking and praying together brought back my own memories of walking to Knock Shrine in Mayo with my father. Bertie’s example seemed to lift everyone. There was something hopeful about seeing a young teenage boy walking, praying the rosary, and persevering. When he arrived in Walsingham, he asked his dad to buy him his first set of rosary beads, just as he set an example for the older pilgrims, he too was set an example that resonated within.

Friendship on the road

Across all three groups, one shared experience stood out: friendship. When you walked with someone for five to nine hours a day, with few distractions—and with the rosary prayed along the way—you came to know them well. On the Stockport walk, I watched bonds form quickly; after four days, we felt like a family.

As we met Andrew and Bertie, then the Cambridge pilgrims, and finally the women who welcomed us into Walsingham and walked the Holy Mile with us to the Abbey Grounds, I saw a community forming from unlikely combinations of people. It reminded me of the way Jesus gathered and formed his disciples by walking with them—day after day—until they became a close-knit fellowship. That is what I witnessed on this pilgrimage in 2026.

The future

Next year, please God, we plan to walk again—Stockport, Cambridge and Yorkshire. But who else has heard this call? Where else will join in 2027: London, Birmingham, or somewhere else? If you feel God's call to step out, I encourage you to begin where you are: offer an intention, gather a few companions, and take the first steps. Many things help us to reclaim our Christian heritage, but I have found few as deeply spiritual and transforming as walking pilgrimage. Each day we end with Mass, and in a sense the pilgrimage became a daily walk to the altar: a journey to Calvary, where we worshipped our Lord in the mystery of his Passion.

Saint Teresa of Avila said “Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no body now on earth but yours.”

Christ is counting on you, Step out in faith.

Stephen Gallagher

Photos courtesy of Stephen Gallagher

St Cuthbert: his medieval cult and pilgrimage

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:09:33 GMT

At the recent Hearts in Search of God Spring Gathering we viewed a wonderful new film following a group of American students as they walked the Way of St Cuthbert. More about the film can be found here .

Cuthbert's shrine is in Durham Cathedral (see photo above) but who was he? Dr Anne E Bailey explains what we know.

St Cuthbert (AD 634 – 687) was one of medieval England’s foremost saints, a religious celebrity whose fame spread well beyond his home region of Northumbria. While his life – moving between the monastic houses of Ripon, Hexham, Melrose and Lindisfarne as monk, bishop and latterly as a hermit – had been an interesting one, his afterlife is more interesting still.

Cuthbert’s Posthumous Adventures

Cuthbert’s posthumous career begins on the tidal island of Lindisfarne at the monastery founded by St Aidan in AD 635. It opens not with the saint’s death in AD 687, but eleven years later when the monks are said to have found his body miraculously undecayed. This was a sure sign of sanctity, so Cuthbert was enshrined as a saint. And here he might have stayed, resting peacefully in the care of his fellow monks, had it not been for the Vikings.

The Danes first attacked Lindisfarne in AD 793. The raiding continued and, eight decades later, a group of monks made the decision to leave their monastery. Although the exact reason for this move has been disputed, what is clear is that they packed up their precious possessions including the most precious of all – the body of St Cuthbert – and set off on what was to become a momentous journey. They weren’t the first monks to take such action. In the face of imminent Danish attack, the relics of Edmund of Bury were similarly placed in a cart and taken on a lengthy journey, settling for a time in London. However, Cuthbert’s posthumous travels were far more extensive and – unlike Edmund – the Northumbrian saint was never to return ‘home’.

After wandering back and forth, crisscrossing Northumbria for seven years, the monks arrived at Chester-le-Street where they stayed for just over a century. There followed a brief move to Ripon, and a final one to Durham where – except for a short interlude at Melrose – Cuthbert’s relics have resided ever since. An important moment in the cult came in 1104 with the translation of Cuthbert’s relics into Durham’s new Norman cathedral. When the coffin was opened, it was discovered that Cuthbert’s body was still incorrupt, and that he had been buried with the Venerable Bede, the head of St Oswald, and an ancient Gospel book. Cuthbert’s shrine became a big draw for visitors, and the twelfth century saw pilgrimage to Durham at its height.

The Sources

We know about Cuthbert’s posthumous history thanks to the survival of some important hagiographical texts describing these events. The first, an anonymous Life of St Cuthbert, dates to about a decade after Cuthbert’s death. Bede also wrote a Life in the early eighth century along with an account in his Ecclesiastical History of the English People. The Norman cult at Durham is detailed by texts by two Norman monks of the Cathedral, Symeon of Durham (c.1090-c1128), and Reginald who wrote a substantial miracle collection telling us much about pilgrimage in the twelfth century.

Cuthbert’s Pilgrims

What can these writings tell us about Cuthbert’s cult and the experiences of medieval pilgrims? The first thing to note is that the cult began even before Cuthbert’s death. Like other famous holy men, Cuthbert was a bit of a celebrity in his lifetime. Bede explains that his reputation for miracles and healing attracted visitors from across Britain. These early pilgrims confessed their sins to him and told him their troubles. He also cured those he came across in the towns and villages through which he travelled spreading his evangelising message. These ranged from a nun with a headache to a youth with a wasting disease and a woman on the point of death.

However, it was at Durham in the twelfth century where Cuthbert’s cult really came into its own. This was a time when pilgrimage was becoming big business – both metaphorically and literally – and Cuthbert had some serious competitors. These included St Godric of Finchale just up the road, St Wilfrid not far away in Ripon, St John of Beverley, and – more significantly – Thomas Becket following his martyrdom at Canterbury Cathedral in 1170. In promoting Cuthbert’s cult, the miracle stories boast that Cuthbert was a more powerful miracle worker than his rivals.

The pilgrimage experience at Durham focused on Cuthbert’s shrine. Today, Cuthbert’s tomb lacks the splendour and majesty of its medieval predecessor but in the twelfth century the reliquary – ornamented with precious metals and jewels – was raised high above ground on nine pillars in prime position behind the high altar and set on Italian marble paving. The height was testimony to Cuthbert’s elevated status, but it also allowed pilgrims to kneel beneath the reliquary and draw close to the relics.

Pilgrims visited all year round, but late-medieval offerings suggest that by far the busiest times were Cuthbert’s feast days on 20 March and 4 September when people from across the diocese came to honour their patron saint. They would have been treated to a spectacle of grand processions, colourful vestments and decorations, a full mass, and a sermon instructing pilgrims on the life and miracles of Cuthbert.

Cuthbert as Guardian and Healer

The popularity of the cult at Durham predominantly rested on two facets of Cuthbert’s posthumous character. First, he was regarded as a guardian and protector of his territory and its inhabitants. Like a manorial lord, he was both a paternal figure to those under his care but also a formidable adversary to his enemies, often protecting his territory with cruel vengeance. Miracle stories show him punishing those who dared to threaten his land and people. In one example, a boy who dares to steal bird nests from Cuthbert’s church is struck down with paralysis of the offending hand. This aspect of Cuthbert spilled over into his other claim to fame: his reputation as a miracle worker. In a more kindly role Cuthbert was a spiritual mediator or intercessor, bending the ear of God on behalf of petitioners who came to him with their prayers for healing and other favours.

Pilgrim Rituals

Because Cuthbert’s healing power was believed to be stronger closest to his relics, pilgrims desired to get as near as possible to his shrine. Reginald of Durham describes how a knight with toothache pressed his swollen face against it for a cure. Pilgrims also brought candles and coins as offerings. One story tells how a candle was left too close to the shrine and set light to the embroidered cloths on the altar. More expensive items such as jewellery might be left by wealthier pilgrims. Thanksgiving tokens were also gifted once a cure had been granted. The knight with toothache returned a few days later to donate his troublesome tooth that – it was assumed – had fallen out as a direct result of Cuthbert’s intervention.

Cuthbert’s healing power was believed to be transferred by touch and this extended to items that had come into contact with his body. The earliest texts describe how secondary relics – a girdle belonging to Cuthbert, soil taken from the ground where his body had been washed, and shoes worn by the saint – became vehicles for miracle cures. It wasn’t enough just to touch these items: the soil was mixed with water and drunk, the girdle was placed around the supplicant’s midriff, and the shoes worn on their feet. In the twelfth century, other miracle-working relics included Cuthbert’s hair and nail parings, fragments of his clothing, and dust from his tomb mixed with water. Saints’ cults were visceral in a way that may seem strange to us today.

Cuthbert Today

Cuthbert’s shrine was dismantled in the late 1530s at the time of the Reformation, and pilgrimage to Durham ceased. The story goes that, although the shrine was broken up and its riches purloined for the Crown, the men who came upon Cuthbert’s body were so spooked by the intact corpse that they hesitated in ridding themselves of it. Instead of suffering the fate of many of his fellow saints whose relics vanished, Cuthbert was reburied beneath the site of his medieval shrine where pilgrims can still find him today.

Although modern pilgrims no longer visit Cuthbert in the expectation of a miracle cure, one aspect of his medieval popularity still has resonance today. Cuthbert has remained, as he was in the Middle Ages, a symbol of regional identity and community, affectionally known by locals as Cuddy. People in Durham still think of him as ‘their’ saint, a benevolent father-figure looking out for them in times of need.

One of my favourite miracle stories is not medieval but takes place during World War Two. In the early hours of a May morning in 1945, a warning was given of the Luftwaffe approaching Durham. According to eyewitnesses, a dense fog suddenly descended over the Cathedral like a smokescreen, obscuring everything within a two-and-a-half mile radius. Mysteriously, it lifted as the all-clear sounded. Coined ‘St Cuthbert’s Mist’ by the people of Durham, this fortuitous weather phenomenon was a reassuring sign that Cuthbert was watching over them.

This story, still told today, is depicted in stained glass in Durham Cathedral’s RAF Memorial Window. So if, like medieval pilgrims, you find yourself drawn to Cuthbert at Durham, don’t miss this reminder of the continuing influence of one of England’s greatest saints.

Anne E Bailey

Dr Anne Bailey is an Associate Member of the History Faculty, University of Oxford, and has published on medieval and modern pilgrimage.

Photos courtesy of Anne E Bailey and the film still courtesy of Christian Holden

Pilgrimage for Life

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:22:34 GMT

All are welcome to join the annual Pilgrimage of Reparation and Prayer for the Sanctity of Life on Saturday, the 1st of August 2026, at the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham.

This pilgrimage aims to not only to act as a reparation for abortion, praying for all the souls of the babies who have been or will be aborted; but also, for all mothers and fathers facing this very difficult decision.

The Walsingham pilgrimage will commence with the 12pm Pilgrim Mass and the Angelus in the chapel. The remaining outline of the day includes Eucharistic Adoration, Stations of the Cross, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Litany of Life and Benediction. This is followed by praying the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Blessed Rosary and a silent walk as an Act of Reparation. The pilgrimage will be concluded by a Prayer for England and the Salve Regina.

More information, including on how to book coaches, can be found on the poster and the website: https://prolifepilgrimage.org/how-to-get-there/

If you cannot join in person, please consider joining the pilgrims in prayer.

Walking to Assisi with L’Arche Grenoble

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:58:19 GMT

Eddie Gilmore describes the joys of walking in Italy with a group of people from L'Arche Grenoble. L'Arche communities are made up of people with and without learning disability, on a mission to build a world where everyone belongs.

My friend Pat is director of L’Arche Grenoble in the South of France. He shared with me, some time back, his dream of a group from his community walking from Grenoble to Assisi a week a year following the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route to Rome that starts in Canterbury. The distance from Grenoble to Assisi is 800 km and there are two mountain ranges in between, the Alps and the Apennines. None of these proved to be obstacles in the way of Pat’s dream, and the pilgrimage began in earnest in 2022. Yim Soon and I joined the group in April 2025 for what was their fourth stage, and we rejoined them on Easter Monday 2026.

The start point for this Stage 5 was the old Roman city of Acqui Terme, a bit south of Turin and famous for its hot sulphur springs. Yim Soon and I were met at the train station by Pascale who has been the brains behind the entire expedition. She told us she was a bit worried about the ‘facilities’ at the place where we’d spend the first two nights; namely that there were two toilets (and just one with a shower) for the group of twenty-five, who would all be sleeping on the floor. I reminded her that it had been a similar situation at the location where we’d begun the 2025 leg and reassured her, “No toilets, no problem!”

The reality about the facilities was that the shower was hanging over a squat toilet and there was no lock on the door. I was a bit dubious about taking a shower there, especially when Pat told me the water was cold and then a young woman called Helena said it was “freezing.” I was pleasantly surprised when the water came out lukewarm. There I was standing over a hole in the ground, with a dirty floor from everyone else having been in there, and with a door that didn’t lock; and it felt like the most luxurious shower in the world! It was interesting to be in a hotel for our third and fourth nights. There was a proper shower cubicle between three of us and a clean floor and when the water came out lukewarm at first I was bitterly disappointed because I’d expected it to be hot. Expectations! The water temperature had been exactly the same in both places, yet my emotional reaction had been the polar opposite on each occasion.

The shower incident showed me, in part, something I’ve experienced again and again on pilgrimage: that we can be very happy with very little. There’s also an incredible intimacy about walking together, eating together, pitching down on the floor together at night, waking up together in the morning, even sharing the same squat toilet with a shower head hanging over it. We’re all way out of our comfort zones and there’s a vulnerability in that but we’re all vulnerable together and perhaps more aware of our need for basic human kindness and more appreciative of little unexpected gifts.

There’s also a great sense of fun and joy that is shared as we make our way slowly along the pilgrim path. And with this latest stage going across the foothills of the Apennine mountains, the scenery was utterly stunning. Each person shared at the end what they’d enjoyed about the week and I said that I felt so lucky to be in such a beautiful place and with such a beautiful group. I’d also loved the music. There were a couple of guitars and so lots of singing in the evenings and dancing too. The owners of the hotel where we stayed for two nights told us how they’d been touched by the singing and dancing and the happiness of the group. And that’s another of the virtues of pilgrimage; it touches and transforms not just the pilgrims but also those who are met on the way.

I’d particularly enjoyed the music on the second night. I’d been feeling quite tired and a bit out of sorts and wasn’t especially relishing another night on the floor but I picked up a guitar and began to sing. A lot of the group had been on their way to bed but were drawn back by the songs. There we were; a group of people with and without learning disabilities, men and women of different ages and from different countries: all sharing a moment of pure joy. Another of the women, Isabelle told me afterwards how touching it had been for her.

Close bonds are formed as we journey together, with all of our changing moods and with the daily highs and lows, both geographical and emotional. I felt rather sad to come to the end. I’ll see some of the group again next year; some people I’ll never meet again. But each person had touched my heart, and I felt like the richest man in the world.

It seems that it will take another ten or twelve years for L’Arche Grenoble to reach Assisi. We were each asked on the last day whether we wanted to come back next year. I said I wanted to come back every year, right to the end. Roll on April 2027!

Eddie Gilmore is an author and pilgrim.

More information about Eddie and his books can be found here .

More information about L'Arche UK can be found here .

The Hearts in Search of God Easter newsletter

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:35:56 GMT

Welcome to the Easter 2026 Hearts in Search of God project newsletter!

Project Patron

The Hearts in Search of God project is delighted to welcome Bishop Patrick McKinney, the tenth Bishop of Nottingham, as project patron. I am grateful for the support of the Bishops' Conference of England & Wales for his appointment. Bishop Patrick is a keen walker and was a great supporter of the 2025 Pilgrimage of Hope, walking one of the final stages with the pilgrims.

Walking the Via di Francesco for the St Francis Leprosy Guild

On 27th April 2026 I will set out from Florence to walk the Via di Francesco to Assisi and on to Rome. The walk is 322 miles long and very hilly! As a medical student in India I saw the devastating consequences of leprosy so I’m walking the Way of St Francis in the 800 ^th anniversary of his death to raise funds for the St Francis Leprosy Guild. More information about the Via di Francesco and the work of the Guild can be found here .

Saturday 21 ^st March 2026: The Spring Pilgrimage Gathering

During the 2025 Jubilee with its theme ‘pilgrims of hope’ there was an upsurge of interest in walking pilgrimage in England and Wales. The Spring Gathering built on this. 60 people registered for the event and several more participated in the evening social event and Sunday morning pilgrim walk.

The Way of St Cuthbert

The day started with the first public screening of the film The Way of St Cuthbert followed by a panel discussion with historian Dr Anne E Bailey, filmmaker Christian Holden and educationalist Dr Jason Baxter. This wonderful film of a group of American students walking from Melrose to Lindisfarne is a 30-minute gem. You can download a copy for showing in public from www.saintant.com

Celebration of walking pilgrimage in England & Wales

We celebrated all that was achieved during the 2025 Jubilee and shared plans for 2026. 15 organisations contributed reports and details were gathered from the websites of another 7. Details can be found in the Spring Gathering update where you can download a full report of the day. We shared ideas for how we could work better together to promote and develop walking pilgrimage in England & Wales.

The Year of St Francis of Assisi

We shared ideas for pilgrimages for peace in this 800 ^th anniversary year of the death of St Francis. All the ideas as well as a map and database of churches dedicated to St Francis and Franciscan communities can be found here . Why not organise a pilgrim walk in your parish on the feast day, Sunday 4 ^th October?

Let us walk that we may adore

A proposal was made for a national walking pilgrimage in the week before the Adoremus Eucharistic Celebration on 10 ^th -11 ^th October 2026. There will be four Ways starting at Marian shrines and converging at the Metropolitan Cathedral of St George in Southwark on Friday 9th October for shared prayer. A small group of perpetual pilgrims will walk the full distance, joined by day pilgrims who will register for each day. More details can be found here . If you would like to be involved, please email me.

Companions on the Road

The latest companion organisation is Catholic People’s Weeks . Their mission is to revitalise the heart, mind and spirit of Catholic people today. This year CPW are walking the Augustine Camino, taking on the simple life of a pilgrim, visiting ancient churches, monasteries and shrines for blessings, prayers and Masses. They hope to offer an authentic Camino experience, with an expert guide and baggage transfer.

Hearts in Search of God project Steering Group

A Steering Group has been formed for the project. Our latest member is Joe Northam, a trailblazer and perpetual pilgrim on the Pilgrimage of Hope. Details of all the members of the Group can be found on here . We meet online about every six weeks. I am very grateful to them all for contributing their time and expertise. We continue to call on the wisdom of the project Advisory Panel as needed.

Upcoming Events

At the Spring Gathering a proposal was made for a shared walking pilgrimage calendar on www.pilgrimways.org.uk so that people can find events more easily and we can avoid clashes. This is under construction. If you are organising a group walking pilgrimage in England & Wales or a related event and would like it to be included, please contact me.

Resources

Shrines : I am grateful to Dr Anne E Bailey for details of several medieval shrines which either survived the Reformation or have been restored since, and where the saint’s relics can still be venerated. They include: St Alban at St Albans, St Bede the Venerable at Durham, St Bertram at Ilam, St Candida (St Wite) at Whitchurch Canonicorum, St Chad at Lichfield, St Cuthbert and St Oswald at Durham, St Eanswythe at Folkestone, St Edward the Confessor at Westminster Abbey, St Frideswide at Oxford, St Melangell at Pennant Melangell, St Thomas Cantilupe at Hereford, and St William at York. The webpage includes a map and details of these and other shrines.

Inspiration

Thanks to all those who have contributed news and stories over the last few months. Topics include:

The Extreme Way of the Cross was started in Poland in 2009 by a young priest called Fr Jacek Stryczek. Today the initiative has been taken up by many tens of thousands of people in 20 countries across the world.
I was delighted to be invited to contribute a paper to the 2025 Lived Catholicism conference . I spoke on 'walking pilgrimage as an unsung site of synodality', but what on earth do I mean by that? Listen to the presentation to find out!
Walk the Augustine Camino with Catholic People's Weeks : Sunday, September 13, 2026 to Sunday, September 20, 2026!
You are invited to take part in the John Bradburne Pilgrimage Climb 2026 , taking place on Saturday 13 June in the beautiful landscape of Cumbria.

The Diocesan Ways

The Pilgrim Way for the Diocese of Salford, the Way of St Theodore has been revised to include the Schoenstatt Shrine at Kearsley. The Way still starts at Salford Cathedral and ends at the St Theodore Centre at Stoneyhurst.

I would be grateful for any feedback you have about the Ways, and especially any route updates and changes . After your pilgrimage remember to download your certificate of completion .

If you have a story or a pilgrim resource or event to share, please contact me through the website.

Please feel free to share his newsletter with people who may be interested. I hope you enjoy the website, designed by the wonderful people at Everyday Christian Marketing.

Wishing you every blessing and joy of Easter as we continue to walk as ‘pilgrims of hope’.

Buen camino!

Phil McCarthy, Project Lead

Lived Catholicism Conference 2025

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:42:34 GMT

I was delighted to be invited to contribute a paper on 'walking pilgrimage as an unsung site of synodality' to the 2025 Lived Catholicism conference.

The conference took place over two days in December 2025. It brought together scholars of theology, ecclesiology, ethnography, anthropology, organisational studies, and cultural studies as well as practitioners (like me) to explore the diversity of synodality as it is unfolding.

I argued that walking pilgrimage is an ' unsung site of synodality '. What do I mean by this? Well synodality from the Greek words; ‘ synodos ’ and ‘ hodos ’ meaning walking together. Since the Second Vatican Council the Church has described itself as the ‘pilgrim people of God’. We are a pilgrim people learning to walk together. Walking pilgrimage is 'unsung' in England & Wales because it was prohibited after the Reformation and the tradition lost.

The walking metaphor continues because the School for Synodality UK describes 'four steps' to synodality:

Encountering a changing world
Listening to all the voices
Discerning the Holy Spirit
Moving to action.

In my conference presentation I argued that the people who took part in the 2025 Pilgrimage of Hope experienced all of these, often abundantly. We should therefore recognise walking pilgrimage as a site where synodality can be 'sung' and actually happens, without us neccessarily being aware of it.

For more about the 2025 Lived Catholicism Conference please visit: https://livedcatholicism.org/

You can watch my 10 minute presentation below.

John Bradburne Pilgrimage Walk 2026

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:54:37 GMT

You are invited to take part in the John Bradburne Pilgrimage Climb 2026, taking place on Saturday 13 June in the beautiful landscape of Cumbria.

This special day will begin with Mass at St John The Evangelist Church, Skirwith, celebrated by Bishop Paul Swarbrick, before we set off together on a memorable climb to High Cup Nick.

What to expect:

A 13km (approx 8 miles) guided climb through stunning scenery
A day of prayer, reflection and fellowship
Refreshments in Skirwith Village Hall after the walk.

Please note this climb is not for the faint hearted and requires a good level of fitness, to complete the pilgrimage. Whether you join us for the full day or simply for the Mass, you are warmly welcome.

There is no fixed cost to take part, but a donation towards the Mutemwa Leprosy Care Centre is greatly appreciated. To book your place email: info@johnbradburne.com

The John Bradburne Memorial Society look forward to seeing you on the day!

More information below

The Spring Walking Pilgrimage Gathering

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:42:25 GMT

The Hearts in Search of God Spring Walking Pilgrimage Gathering was held at Amigo Hall, Lambeth Rd, Southwark, SE London on 21st & 22nd March 2026. 60 people registered for the event and over 40 people attended on the day. Several more participated in the evening social event and Sunday morning pilgrim walk. The male/female split was 50/50 and about half of those who registered were new to the project.

The aims of the day were to:

• Bring together people and organisations already involved walking pilgrimage in our nations as a community

• Celebrate what was achieved during the 2025 Jubilee and plan how to promote and develop walking pilgrimage in England & Wales

• Consider a proposal for a walking pilgrimage to Adoremus in October 2026

• Discuss plans for walking pilgrimages in 2026 to mark the Year of St Francis of Assisi

The premiere of the film The Way of St Cuthbert

The film was welcomed enthusiastically, and a lively discussion ensued about how to promote it in parishes, dioceses, schools, other Catholic organisations and ecumenically.

 The film can be viewed and copies obtained for public viewing using this link: https://saintant.com/

Celebration of the Jubilee and plans for the Year of St Francis of Assisi

A&B Ecumenical Pilgrimage organises an annual group walking pilgrimage: www.thepilgrims.org.uk/wp

Archdiocese of Southwark organised the Southwark Jubilee Pilgrimage from St George's to Aylesford on 2nd - 6th June 2025: https://aec.rcaos.org.uk/pilgrimage2025

Augustine Camino celebrates the conversion of the English-speaking peoples to Christianity: www.augustinecamino.co.uk/

CAFOD organises an annual walking pilgrimage to Lindisfarne: www.cafod.org.uk

Catenians are a network of Catholic men. In the current year they plan to develop walking pilgrimage. Eddie Gilmore will address their national conference: www.thecatenians.com

Catholic People’s Weeks runs holidays that ‘make a difference’. This year they will be walking the Augustine Caminoand currently have one place free: www.catholicpeoplesweeks.org

Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome promotes pilgrimage to Rome on foot, by bike or by horseback as well as the Francigena Britannica: https://pilgrimstorome.org.uk/

Confraternity of St James promotes pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela as well as pilgrim routes in the UK: www.csj.org.uk

Diocese of Clifton organised the St Wulstan’s Way pilgrimage in 2025 and plans a pilgrimage on the feast of St Francis of Assisi in 2026: https://saintwulstan.org.uk/2025/05/pilgrims-progress-the-saint-wulstan-southern-way-pilgrimage/

Diocese of Leeds has organised the St Wilfrid’s Way Camino for 10 years. Other pilgrimages include ‘In Fr Brown’s Footsteps’ and shorter ‘Laudato Si’ pilgrimages: www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk/st-wilfrids-way

Eddie Gilmore is a Hearts in Search of God collaborator and has started coaching and mentoring and leading pilgrimages: www.eddiegilmore.org

Hearts in Search of God promotes and develops walking pilgrimage in the Catholic dioceses of England & Wales: www.pilgrimways.org.uk

Hidden Catholic provides immersive walking tours, pilgrimages, and custom experiences that connect you to the Catholic heritage of England: https://hiddencatholic.com/

John Bradburne Memorial Society organises an annual walking pilgrimage on Cross Fell in June: www.johnbradburne.com

Latin Mass Society organises an annual walking pilgrimage from Ely to Walsingham over the August Bank Holiday weekend: www.lms.org.uk/walsingham-pilgrimage

London to Walsingham Camino offers a pilgrim path on footpaths and quiet lanes to England’s national shrine to Our Lady: www.andybull.co.uk/the-london-to-walsingham-camino

Mary’s Meals runs a programme of walking pilgrimages to support their mission to provide a simple solution to world hunger: www.marysmeals.org.uk

Men of St Joseph organise a walking pilgrimage to Walsingham annually in Holy Week from Stockport, Yorkshire and Cambridge.

Pax Christi organises a one-day Peace Pilgrimage as a witness against the SDSC UK Arms Fair: https://paxchristi.org.uk/

Pilgrim Cross is an inclusive Easter pilgrimage for all Christians: www.pilgrimcross.org.uk

Pilgrim Street - Anne Hayward explores pilgrimage in a contemporary setting in the British Isles: www.pilgrimstreet.uk/

St Francis of Assisi Catholic Ramblers Club holds weekend walks in the Home Counties: www.stfrancisramblers.ukwalkers.com

Conclusions from the Spring Gathering and next steps

We have much to celebrate in relation to walking pilgrimage in England & Wales and the Jubilee was a boost
There is commitment to working together in our organisations and dioceses
Volunteer diocesan promoters would be helpful
www.pilgrimways.org.uk can have a useful role sharing information including a calendar of walking pilgrimage events
There is enthusiasm for a walking pilgrimage to Adoremus in October 2026
We will plan to mark the Year of St Francis of Assisi in our dioceses and parishes.

Download the report of the Gathering

Saturday night and Sunday morning

The Way of St Cuthbert

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:18:12 GMT

At the recent Hearts in Search of God Spring Gathering we were able to view the new film of the Way of St Cuthbert which follows a group of American students as they undertake a walking pilgrimage from Melrose in Scotland to Lindisfarne in Northumbria.

The film was followed by a panel discussion with:

Dr Jason Baxter , Director of the Centre for Beauty and Culture at Benedictine College in Kansas, USA. Jason explained the inspiration for the film and the impact the pilgrimage had on the participating students.

Historian of pilgrimage Dr Anne Bailey of Oxford University gave an insight into the life of St Cuthbert, his cult, and medieval pilgrimage to his shrine. Anne will be sharing her insights into the history of St Cuthbert in a later blog.

Filmmaker Christian Holden of St Anthony Communications described the making of the film. He writes:

'As a filmmaker, it's always a joy to work on outdoor projects. This is especially true when it involves a journey or pilgrimage. I love the challenges these present - accessing locations, the logistics of moving camera kit, planning around the weather conditions, managing cast and crew - all making the end result more rewarding. Capturing beauty on screen is ever the goal, whether this is from the location, the people involved, or the story or message in the script (ideally all of these).

I am privileged to work full-time on films about faith; from historical, to theological, to lives of the saints, and much more. This recent film about St Cuthbert was a real pleasure to work on. It was my first visit to the south-east of Scotland and Northumberland, and I knew very little about St Cuthbert. Meeting with Jason Baxter, Daniel Catone, and the students from Benedictine College was a real delight and we've formed precious friendships from this time on pilgrimage together.'

The film was welcomed enthusiastically by the audience, and a lively discussion ensued about how to promote it in parishes, dioceses, schools, other Catholic organisations and ecumenically.

The film can be viewed and copies obtained for public viewing from St Anthony Communications via the link:

https://saintant.com/

The Extreme Way of the Cross

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 09:40:41 GMT

The Extreme Way of the Cross was started in Poland in 2009 by a young priest called Fr Jacek Stryczek. Today the initiative has been taken up by many tens of thousands of people in 20 countries across the world.

The Way is partly a pilgrimage, but there is a strong emphasis on the physical, spiritual and personal challenges. The aim is to enable participants to break out of their comfort zones and so foster a deeper connection with the passion of Jesus Christ. The Way involves walking a route of 40 kilometres (25 miles) or more at night during Lent, accompanied only by prayer and meditations. The Way usually starts with evening Mass, then pilgrims walk in silence, either alone or in small groups, sometimes across challenging terrain, to a shrine or other religious destination. Pilgrims carry only the essentials for the journey, but many will also carry a wooden cross. The stops are planned around the Stations of the Cross, with readings from scripture as well as contemporary prayers and reflections.

The initiative has proved hugely successful in Poland, where many young people view it as an expression of resistance to the prevailing consumerist culture. The Polish website offers over 600 routes to choose from, some of them clocking up over 130 kilometres (83 miles). You can view a video about the Way here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KmB8jI0fww

In the UK the initiative was taken up in 2019 at the Catholic Church of St John, Perth, Scotland. In England & Wales several Polish chaplaincies have taken up the challenge. For example, the Polish Catholic Community in Nottingham is leading an Extreme Way of the Cross on Friday 13 ^th March from 8.00pm, until about 6.00am the next morning. The route takes in 41 kilometres across the city centre and fields around. Those wishing to participate will gather at the Polish Church of Our Lady of Częstochowa, Nottingham NG7 6JN, by 8.00pm. Mass in Polish will be celebrated at 7.00pm. More information about this and other sites in the UK can be found at: https://extremewayofthecross.org/

Walk the Augustine Camino with Catholic People's Weeks

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:18:42 GMT

Walk the Augustine Camino with Catholic People's Weeks: Sunday, September 13, 2026 to Sunday, September 20, 2026!

When the Benedictine monk, Augustine, was instructed by Pope Gregory to sail to England on a mission to convert the pagan Anglo-Saxons to Christianity, he was less than enthusiastic. Such was the fierceness of the people of this far-flung Northern land that even the monks accompanying him pleaded to turn back. But he persisted and what happened next was to change Britain for ever. Imagine a long-distance trail which walks backward through time in Kent to the very place where Augustine first set foot on British soil, and you are imagining the Augustine Camino, a pilgrimage through the orchards, woods and vineyards of Kent.

Beginning at the Anglican Cathedral in Rochester, we arrive seven days later at the shrine to Saint Augustine in Ramsgate, having visited the Carmelites as well as the UNESCO World Heritage site which is Canterbury Cathedral and its surroundings. We return to Canterbury for our final night’s accommodation and round-up celebration of our week together. Our ‘week’ ends the next day on Sunday 20th September after breakfast and our final liturgy together.

This walking week differs from our recent walking events in that it adopts a cumulative model where each day we progress towards a final destination, staying at different venues at night i.e. like a pilgrimage. The Augustine Camino is recognised by the Confraternity of St James and distances walked on this Camino can be added, if you wish, to a later Camino to Santiago de Compostela. We will be taking on the simple life of a pilgrim, visiting ancient churches, monasteries and shrines for blessings, prayers and masses. In keeping with that simple life, we will be staying in hostels for five nights (with accommodation in single-sex dorms), one night in Aylesford Priory and one night in a pub with rooms. We hope to offer an authentic Camino experience, with an expert guide and baggage transfer for one backpack or small case per pilgrim (think overhead locker on a plane).

A level of fitness is required as the length of the walks range from 7miles on the shortest day to 13.5 miles on the longest. There are 4 steep gradients in the week and 5 descents. The last day is an almost level walk across a beautiful nature reserve and bird sanctuary, to the coast. Each day there will be time for quiet reflection, for shared prayer and celebration and the all-important evening relaxation. We also hope to include time for short talks and discussion in the CPW tradition.

The revised St Theodore's Way is ready to walk!

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 17:47:50 GMT

St Theodore's Way is a Pilgrim Way for the Diocese of Salford from the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist in Salford to the Christian Heritage Centre, Theodore House, Stonyhurst College. In 2026 the route was revised to visit the Schoenstatt Shrine at Kearsley.

Theodore of Tarsus was Archbishop of Canterbury from 668 to 690. He helped to unify the English Church after the Synod of Whitby and successfully promoted Anglo-Saxon scholarship.

The Way follows the River Irwell north out of Salford, diverting to the Church of St Sebastian in Charlestown. The route follows the Salford Trail, through Clifton Country Park to reach the Schoenstatt Shrine in Kearsley. The next section follows disused canals for much of the way to Bolton. Here the Church of St Patrick and the former Ukrainian Catholic Church of All Saints are visited. The route continues north passing the Church of the Holy Infant & St Anthony in Astley Bridge, to Dimple, then follows the Wilton Weavers Way across moorland. The Way descends to the Church of the Sacred Heart in Darwen and then continues north passing near to the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in Higher Croft. The Way traverses Blackburn passing Blackburn Anglican Cathedral, the Church of St Anne, the Polish Catholic Centre and the Church of the Holy Souls. The Way then crosses farmland to the former Cistercian Abbey and the Church of the English Martyrs at Whalley. Finally the Way crosses farmland to reach the Church of St Peter and Theodore House at Stonyhurst College.

The Winter 2026 Hearts in Search of God newsletter

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:21:31 GMT

Dear Friend

Welcome to the Winter 2026 Hearts in Search of God Project newsletter.

Save the Date! Saturday 21st March 2026: A Spring Pilgrimage Gathering

During the 2025 Jubilee with its theme 'pilgrims of hope' there was an upsurge in walking pilgrimage in England and Wales, including the national Pilgrimage of Hope to Nottingham . To build on this a Spring Gathering will be held in central London for those involved in walking pilgrimage during the Jubilee. The aims are to reflect on the successes of the Jubilee year and to plan how to continue to promote and develop walking pilgrimage in our nations. More details and an invitation to register will follow.

A New Pilgrim Way for the Archdiocese of Birmingham!

A Pilgrimage with Dr Newman follows St John Henry Newman's spiritual journey. The route was walked to mark Newman being proclaimed a Doctor of the Church on 1st November 2025.

2026: the Year of St Francis of Assisi

October 3rd 2026 will mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi. His strived for peace, making him a saint for our troubled times. Why not make a walking pilgrimage for peace to a church dedicated to St Francis near you? A map and details of the 26 churches can be found here .

Companions on the Road

The latest addition to the Companions on the Road page is Walk With Williams , a specialist tour operator that organises self-guided walking holidays across the UK. They can be contacted if you would like help with itinerary planning, luggage transport, or B&B booking for your pilgrimage.

Upcoming Events

Cafod's Big Lent Walks : Walk anytime, anywhere for 40 days to raise funds for life-saving water.
Pilgrim Cross : an inclusive Easter pilgrimage for all Christians culminating on Good Friday in Walsingham
FCJ Lindisfarne Pilgrimage for Young Adults : 8-12th April 2026. Prayer, reflection, walking and lots of socialising!
John Bradburne Pilgrimage 2026 : the annual pilgrimage in Cumbria will be on Saturday 13th June 2026. This is a physically demanding journey through mountainous terrain. Email info@johnbradburne.com
Arundel & Brighton Ecumenical Walking Pilgrimage 2026 : Gathering in Middlesbrough on 15 August, celebration day in Blackburn 29 August, travel home 30 August.
Latin Mass Society Walking Pilgrimage 2026 from Ely to Walsingham - Thursday 27 August to Sunday 30 August 2026

If you are organising a group walking pilgrimage in England & Wales and would like it to be featured on www.pilgrimways.org.uk please contact me.

Hearts in Search of God project Steering Group

Building on the success of the Pilgrimage of Hope a new Steering Group has been formed for the project. Details of the members will be in the next newsletter. I am very grateful to them all for contributing their time and expertise. The Group will meet regularly and will continue to call on the wisdom of the project Advisory Panel as needed.

There are new resources on the website including:

Individual walking pilgrimage: the basics
Individual walking pilgrimage: enriching the inner journey
Group walking pilgrimage: the basics
Group walking pilgrimage: enriching the inner journey
Pilgrims in a time of crisis: a new resource from the Ecological Conversion Group for those interested in the impact of pilgrimage on the environment
Sigeric: Monk, Bishop, Politician, Negotiator . The Via Francigena from Canterbury to Rome follows the route taken by Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury, on his journey back from Rome in AD 990. Sandra Jones outlines what is known about his life.
Cathedrals and Shrines : On these webpages you can find addresses, descriptions, websites and details of local walking pilgrimages for the Catholic cathedrals and shrines of England & Wales.

Inspiration

Thanks to all those who have contributed news and stories over the last few months. Topics include:

The National Pilgrimage of Hope : All the reflections, podcasts and videos can be found on this webpage as well as links to the St Matthew, Mark, Luke and John Way routes.
The St Cuthbert Mayne Way : John Ashdown reflects on a three-day parish pilgrimage from Plymouth Cathedral to the Shrine Church of St Cuthbert Mayne in Launceston
A Memorable Milestone along the St Wilfrid's Way : Rowan Morton-Gledhill celebrates the 10th Annual St Wilfrid's Way Pilgrimage in the Diocese of Leeds
The Francigena Britannica from London to Canterbury : Nick Dunne welcomes the formal recognition of the path.
The Pilgrimage of Our Lady of Christendom : Christian Jenkins describes the first Our Lady of Christendom pilgrimage in the UK from Tewkesbury Abbey to Evesham
The Path to Pilgrimage : Torin Brown asks why pilgrimage still 'packs a spiritual punch' in a secular age
Baby Steps : Alex Knox describes the joys and occasional challenges of walking Britain's newest pilgrimage with its youngest pilgrim in his backpack
A Pilgrimage for the Planet : Anna Fitzgerald describes the pilgrimage undertaken by the Laudato Si Circle based at Blackfriars in Oxford
The Good Way : Details of a new pilgrimage podcast, hosted and created by Torin Brown , the pilgrim officer at Canterbury Cathedral
A Wave of Hope in Advent : I was delighted to be invited to record this brief Advent reflection for the Catholic Bishops' Conference (England and Wales).
A Reflection at Epiphany : King Charles and Pope Francis saw the Magi as pilgrims of hope.
The Pilgrims to Rome Winter Walk : Eddie Gilmore writes that pilgrimage can be transformational, as this walk to Dover along the Via Francigena demonstrated

Feedback on the Diocesan Ways

I would be grateful for any feedback you have about the Ways, and especially any route updates and changes . After your pilgrimage remember to download your certificate of completion .

Please feel free to share his newsletter with people who may be interested. I hope you enjoy the website, designed by the wonderful people at Everyday Christian Marketing.

Wishing you every blessing and joy as we build on the Jubilee year and continue to walk as 'pilgrims of hope'.

Buen camino!

Phil McCarthy, Project Lead

Pilgrims to Rome Winter Walk

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 20:35:23 GMT

It was a friendly bunch of twenty-plus walkers who set off for Dover from St Andrew’s church in Shepherdswell on a decidedly chilly morning in early January.

There was even a gorgeous and highly attentive little girl called Stella sitting contentedly in a back pack. At eighteen months old she is the youngest member of the Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome, the body who had organised the day. I had just the day before been reading an article in the Pilgrims to Rome Newsletter by Stella’s father, Alex, who wrote of how he’d been walking from London with his daughter in stages, the first time when she’d been just six weeks old.

A few months before, the group had walked to Shepherdswell from Canterbury, the official starting point of the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route to Rome. Although, as I also discovered from the Newsletter, the stretch from London to Canterbury that Alex had been doing with Stella has been named the Francigena Britanica and approved by the General Assembly of the European Association of the Vie Francigene as a Via Francigena link.

We were soon out into the open fields and although it was freezing, the sun was shining brightly which made for pleasant hiking conditions. I was excited to see that we were following footpaths that are now signposted both ‘North Downs Way’ and ‘Via Francigena,’ with a little picture of a Franciscan monk on the posts! As happens on pilgrimage, there was a variety of animated conversations as we paced along. There is just something about the simple and age-old act of walking long distances that brings people into connection and draws forth their stories. When I spoke with Alex later in the day (Stella having fallen asleep in the backpack) we affirmed the importance of story-telling and agreed that a story was an organic thing that changed with each re-telling.

Several of the group had done the whole of the walk to Rome. One person I spoke to told me how it had been “life-altering.” I asked her to say more about that and she explained that it had helped her to be more open, more trusting and more able to step out of her comfort zone. Two veteran walkers, Ian and Alison, who I was delighted to see again, have done the Via Francigena twice. I had walked with them back in September when we were part of the London to Nottingham leg of the Pilgrimage of Hope. I had also interviewed the couple for a book I was writing about pilgrimage. They’d told me how grateful they always were for the experience and of how it gave them a sense of “awe and wonder about the world.” They had mused as well about the liminal nature of pilgrimage, whereby we step out of our normal life and into a different space, a space where interesting people are encountered and interesting, sometimes miraculous things happen.

I’m always delighted by the connections that reveal themselves when on pilgrimage. I was chatting in the morning with a woman called Mairead who was telling me how she had first met Kathryn, another of the group. Kathryn had been doing the whole of the Via Francigena and had met Eoin, the husband of Mairead, who was cycling to Rome and with whom she shared a birthday. They agreed to meet in Rome and celebrate together. Mairead mentioned to me that Eoin had cycled on the recent Pilgrimage of Hope. “Yes,” I said, “he spent the last night with us and walked with us into Nottingham.” When I spoke with Kathryn I quoted to her the wonderful Spanish expression that I’d learnt the first time I walked on the Camino: “El mundo es un pañuelo,” (the world is a handkerchief).

We arrived into Dover and were warmly welcomed and given a tour of the stunningly beautiful Maison Dieu. This 800-year-old building was originally a hostel for pilgrims from the continent who were coming to the last leg of their journey to the shrine of Thomas Becket. What is now a huge banqueting hall would have been where pilgrims spent the night on straw mattresses, having been given a meal of vegetable stew and beer. After our bracing ten mile walk I would happily have lain down on a straw mattress and been fed stew and beer! But a totally acceptable alternative was a hot cup of tea in the café at Dover Priory as we waiting for our trains and chatted about the special day we’d had. And in between the Maison Dieu and the station was another memorable moment: a visit to the ancient St Edmond’s Chapel. This, we were told, had been the chapel for Maison Dieu’s cemetery, where there would be buried those pilgrims who, following a long and gruelling trip, had died just short of Canterbury. The places you see and the things you learn when you’re on the pilgrim path!

And one final fascinating thing was the discovery that Vicky, with whom I got off the train in Canterbury, had just completed a PhD on ‘Pilgrimage and transformation.’ She was equally intrigued to hear of the title of my most recent book: ‘Another Day in Paradise- stories of transformation from the Camino and other places.’

Life-altering and transformational: pilgrimage is certainly that. It’s also hugely enjoyable, and our day’s walk to Dover along the Via Francigena was testament to that.

Eddie Gilmore is a pilgrim, musician and writer. More about Eddie and his books can be found here .

For more about the Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome click the button below.

The Magi, pilgrims of hope

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 07:45:02 GMT

Happy New Year and a joyful Feast of the Epiphany, when we remember the visit of the wise men or Magi to the infant Jesus!

In his 2025 Christmas Message King Charles remarked on the significance of pilgrimage for our modern world, especially at Christmas:

‘The wise men made a pilgrimage from the east to worship at the cradle of Christ; and the shepherds journeyed from field to town in search of Jesus, the saviour of the world. In each case, they journeyed with others, and relied on the companionship and kindness of others. Through physical and mental challenge, they found an inner strength.’

The late Pope Francis wrote an address for his general audience of 19th February 2025 about the Epiphany, but was unable to deliver it due to illness. In the text Francis pointed out that the Magi represent us all: ‘The Magi thus become the first believers among the pagans, the image of the Church drawn together from every language and nation.’ The Pope concluded with this encouragement:

'Dear brothers and sisters, let us, too, follow in the footsteps of the Magi, these “pilgrims of hope” who, with great courage, turned their steps, hearts and goods towards the One who is the hope not only of Israel but of all peoples. Let us learn to adore God in His smallness, in His kingship that does not crush but rather sets us free and enables us to serve with dignity. And let us offer Him the most beautiful gifts, to express our faith and our love.’

On Tuesday 6th January 2026, the Feast of the Epiphany, Pope Leo XIV will close the Holy Door in St Peter’s Basilica, Rome marking the end of the 2025 Jubilee. Its theme ‘pilgrims of hope’ inspired the national Pilgrimage of Hope in England & Wales, which blessed our nations with the Sign of the Cross and the Gospels. 641 miles were walked, 12,257 feet climbed, over 45 days along 4 routes, by 20 perpetual pilgrims who walked the full distance and over 250 day pilgrims who walked for one or more days. I want to express my gratitude to all those who took part by walking, welcoming, providing food and accommodation, transporting rucksacks or praying. Thanks are especially due to the Sisters of the Holy Cross who supported the pilgrimage. We tried to embody their values of compassion, faith, prayer and community.

The concluding meeting of pilgrims from all 4 ways at St Barnabas' Cathedral in Nottingham was a joyful occasion. We were welcomed by Bishop Patrick McKinney, the Bishop of Nottingham, and were presented with a message and Apostolic Blessing from Pope Leo.

Image cbcew/Mazur

I hope that 2026 will be a joyful year for you, and that together we will follow in the footsteps of the Magi as courageous pilgrims of hope.

I will be in contact with more walking pilgrimage ideas and plans for 2026 soon.

Buen Camino!

Phil

Phil McCarthy, Hearts in Search of God project lead

Advent Wave of Hope

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 13:40:05 GMT

I was delighted to be invited to record this brief Advent reflection for the Catholic Bishops' Conference (England and Wales) Wave of Hope series.

My focus was the 2025 Jubilee Pilgrimage of Hope.

The Oxford Pilgrimage for the Planet

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:46:58 GMT

We are a Laudato Si Circle based at Blackfriars in Oxford. During the Season of Creation in 2025, our group in conjunction with Christian Climate Action, and others, undertook a short pilgrimage for the planet in Oxford, to raise awareness and to pray for action on our climate emergency.

We started outside Blackfriars Priory and were blessed in preparation for our pilgrimage by two Dominican priests. The Dominican Prior joined us on our Pilgrimage.

1st stop - Barclays bank , because of the harm caused by Barclays, Europe’s biggest funder of fossil fuels. Instead of reducing its fossil fuel investments after the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, Barclays has continued to increase its funding for this industry. Our pilgrim group prayed that Barclays and other financial institutions funding the fossil fuel industry, urgently change their ecocidal policies and invest in a greener and fairer future for all.

2nd stop - Oxford University Catholic Chaplaincy . We met the chaplain and received his blessing. We prayed and gave thanks for the courage and perseverance of young climate activists who have spoken out and taken action in recent years to wake the world up to the climate crisis.

3rd stop - Christ Church Cathedral where we met Reverend Philippa White, and prayed for climate justice in St Frideswide's Shrine. We gave thanks for the Church of England's recent decision to divest from fossil fuels, a momentous result. We also prayed for the dioceses in the Catholic Church in England and Wales that have not yet divested, to follow suit and for all faith institutions to finally divest from fossil fuels.

4th Stop - Folly Bridge: the pollution of the river Thames that despite having designated river bathing status, due to illegal sewage spills, is not fit for people to swim in. We prayed that the Thames water authorities stop profiting from pollution and clean up their act. We prayed for governments to take urgent action to stop companies causing pollution and environmental degradation, poisoning rivers and oceans with sewage and plastic, and logging and clearing primary forests.

5th stop - The Edgar George Wilson Memorial : Edgar, aged 21, drowned after saving two boys from the river Thames in 1889. We prayed for all those who risk their lives to save others and to protect our common home. We prayed for the Indigenous Earth Protectors who are murdered every week and whose lives are in constant danger, and for the brave climate activists taking non violent direct action all over the world. Finally, we prayed for climate refugees from the global south taking dangerous journeys to escape natural disasters, war, poverty and oppression.

6th stop - Osney Lock Hydro : A first community owned hydro-electric power station on the river Thames. We gave thanks for this community project and for all the ground breaking green initiatives leading the way to a fairer future. We prayed for our communities to support each other and work together as we face the effects of the climate crisis. We gave thanks for all that we had seen on this walk by the river, part of God's wonderful creation. We asked God to help us to remember to stay close to nature and listen to the voice of our Sister Mother Earth. (In 2023 when we were praying by the river, a number of geese on the opposite side started honking. It felt as though they were joining in with us!)

7th stop - St Frideswide Church: We remembered the example of St Frideswide, patron saint of Oxford, who refused a forced marriage and took refuge in nature and in prayer. By her holiness she converted her oppressor and restored his sight. She brought forth a spring of healing water nearby, in Binsey, and performed miracles. Her shrine became a place of pilgrimage and she helped to change the world. With the vicar, the Reverend Catherine Butt we prayed for the future, for the courage to keep fighting for climate justice, and the faith not to give up hope.

Anna FitzPatrick

For more information about the Laudato Si movement visit: https://laudatosimovement.org/

For more information about Christian Climate Action visit: https://christianclimateaction.org/

The Pilgrimage with Dr Newman is Ready to Walk!

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 12:05:47 GMT

‘Heart speaks unto heart’: a pilgrimage with Dr St John Henry Newman, within the Archdiocese of Birmingham, is ready to walk!

This pilgrim way follows St John Henry Newman’s spiritual path, from Evangelicalism, through High Anglicanism and finally to Catholicism. Newman (1801 – 1890) was an English Catholic theologian, academic, philosopher, historian, writer, and poet. He was an Anglican priest, and after his conversion to Catholicism, became a cardinal. He was an important figure in the religious history of England in the C19. The route was walked to mark Newman being proclaimed a Doctor of the Church on 1st November 2025.

The way starts at Deddington where Newman gave his first public address in 1825, via Over Worton, where he preached his first sermon as an Anglican priest. The walk continues through Oxford where Newman was educated, ordained as an Anglican minister and led the Oxford Tractarian Movement. The route ends at Littlemore where Newman founded a High Anglican church. Here in 1845, he became a Catholic.

This pilgrimage is an adaption of the existing Newman Pilgrimage which was created by Rev Hugh White and is based on the journeys Newman made as a young man from Oxford to Deddington. Newman walked the eighteen miles to Over Worton from Oxford, starting at 4am and arriving ‘punctually at the breakfast table’! Details of that pilgrimage can be found at: http://www.newmanpilgrimage.org/ . Neither route follows Newman's probable path which is now a busy road.

Pilgrims in a time of crisis

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:57:23 GMT

Pilgrims in a Time of Crisis:

Pilgrimage and Environment Round Table Summary of Conversation.

A meeting was hosted by the Catholic Diocesan Environmental Leads network and facilitated by Ecological Conversion Group. It was held at the London Jesuit Centre and online 26.02.25. The meeting was under Chatham House Rules. There were a mix of diocesan and religious pilgrimage officers, diocesan environmental leads, pilgrimage tour operators, theologians, heritage professionals, youth leaders and walking pilgrimage organisations and enthusiasts.

The document below is a summary of the themes discussed and does not present a consensus. This meeting followed on from work on pilgrimage and

environment, in the Diocese of Salford and championed by one of its priests.

Written by The Ecological Conversion Group, Registered Charity no: 1197384 in England and Wales www.theecg.org

Contact John Paul de Quay: jp@theecg.org

A Memorable Milestone along the St Wilfrid's Way!

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:22:24 GMT

This year, the Annual Diocesan St Wilfrid’s Way Pilgrimage was walked for the 10th time!

In the 2025 Holy Year of Jubilee across the Catholic Church, we were all exhorted to walk together as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ – and for the pilgrims who each year set out in hope from Leeds Cathedral to St Wilfrid’s in Ripon, this was ‘all in a day’s walk’ (or two day’s walk for some!) The Jubilee was just one of the ‘milestones’ (pun intended!) marked by this year’s St Wilfrid’s Way. Our local ‘way-marker’ was the tenth walking of this Annual Diocesan Camino. From small beginnings of just six walkers in 2016, the pilgrimage has grown rapidly to between 30 and 40 people walking over the two days. Even during both years of pandemic, with 30 walkers spaced two metres apart, it was the only one of our diocesan pilgrimages permitted by the authorities to continue.

Although there was much rejoicing this year, at becoming a long-standing diocesan event, there was also a note of nostalgia, as our ‘Camino Supremo’, Stephen Habron announced his retirement from leading the walk that would not have existed without him. The Huddersfield parishioner and veteran of several ‘Caminos de Santiago’ developed pilgrimage routes from St Patrick’s, Huddersfield to Leeds Cathedral and from the Cathedral to Ripon as parish events for the 2015 Year of Mercy. Stephen’s idea had ‘legs’ (pun intended again!) In 2016, his fellow parishioner and Diocesan Director of Communications ‘re-branded’ the Leeds to Ripon route as ‘St Wilfrid’s Way’ in honour of our Diocesan Patron and, as it were, ‘ran with it’ … The rest is history: ‘A Walk through History’, in fact! Stephen’s superbly detailed Route Booklets contain not only directions along the footpaths, tracks and lanes between Roundhay Park and Ripon, but also prayers and historical information about the heritage of our diocese.

On the morning of Friday 10 October at 8am, Stephen’s son, Cathedral Dean Canon Matthew Habron, celebrated the Tenth Anniversary Pilgrims’ Mass which traditionally begins St Wilfrid’s Way. Pilgrims then took the ‘bus to Roundhay Park, where the walking actually begins. The walk is carefully planned to be in stages, so it suits walkers with varying levels of experience. Pilgrims can choose which day to walk, and plan where to join or leave. Some pilgrims have walked every year since 2016; and there are always several ‘new’ pilgrims, some of whom have walked all or part of the Camino de Santiago.

The walk is well-reconnoitred and always subject to a ‘dynamic risk assessment’ – but one can never account for the unforeseeable – so pilgrims were concerned on the way out of Roundhay Park to hear cries of ‘Man down!’ Fortunately, this wasn’t a fall, but a ‘fail’! Experienced walker Richard’s trusty walking boots had seen him right through the Spanish Camino and many other long-distance walks. They appeared to be in perfect condition – but after 20 years, the glue holding on the sole had perished, leaving the Halifax parishioner and accountant’s carefully conserved vintage footwear more rusty than trusty. A surgeon’s skilled attempts to re-unite ‘body and sole’ with gaffer-tape were to no avail – and it was with heavy hearts that we had to leave the disappointed yet still cheerful victim of ‘wardrobe malfunction’ at a ‘bus stop in Shadwell!

Another regular item on the Risk Assessment is the presence of cattle and calves in fields, and alternative routes to avoid them. Later in the walk, pilgrims traversing an apparently empty field had to navigate the sudden appearance and approach of a herd of bullocks. It was hardly an ambush, but the curious beasts lumbered rather too close for comfort. As pilgrims awaited their turn to squeeze one by one through a small gate, ‘Celebrity Pilgrim’ and Knaresborough parishioner Ian (to whom Stephen has bequeathed the role of ‘Camino Supremo’) kept the boldest bullock at bay until everyone was safely through the gate. The creature clearly respected the authority of the former Chief Operating Officer of the Diocese: just one of many senior leadership roles which have qualified Ian to deal with any amount of ‘bull’!

All our walking pilgrimages are intended to emphasise environmental issues, and St Wilfrid’s Way is no exception, with almost every stage of the walk being accessible by public transport, as well as being close to nature in the beautiful West and North Yorkshire countryside. Red Kites, buzzards and a heron were amongst the fauna thriving along the route’s varied habitats – but there were also reminders of climate change. In past years some of the footpaths, farmyards, and fields had made walking difficult because of liquid mud – and worse! Weeks of dry weather this summer had rendered the going much easier – a mixed blessing – but one which permitted one pilgrim to use a ‘green’, if unorthodox mode of transport! Harehills parishioners Frank and Queenie first joined St Wilfrid’s Way last year as walkers – but this year, only Queenie walked: Frank came on his bike, pedalling across all terrains, and developing a sapper’s skills as he and other pilgrims worked out how to manhandle the conveyance over stiles and fences with military precision.

St Wilfrid’s Way engenders a camaraderie amongst pilgrims. Friendships made ‘on Camino’ over the past decade are renewed each year, and previous years’ conversations continued; others, meeting for the first time, are soon chatting like old friends. Some stages are walked in silent contemplation. One such is the walk from Wood Hall Carmel in Linton near Wetherby. After a convivial rest stop for packed lunches, this year’s pilgrims set off on their way, saddened by the fact that as the convent is now up for sale, it may be the last time we enjoy the Carmelite Sisters’ cheerful company and kind hospitality, before the members of this community disperse to Carmels across the country.

A great benefit of St Wilfrid’s Way is how it brings people together from our entire Diocesan Family. Pilgrims from parishes right across the Diocese – and even further afield – are represented: from Bradford, Halifax, Harrogate, Huddersfield, Knaresborough, Leeds, Ripon and Wakefield. It is a guiding principle of St Wilfrid’s Way, that non-walkers who are on standby to give lifts to the weary, or who open their churches, presbyteries, parish halls and homes to walkers are pilgrims too! This was certainly true on both days, where in Knaresborough Our Lady of the Crag trustee Peter, and parishioners Julie and Charlotte were awaiting our arrival with the warmest of welcomes. At the Crag Chapel, chairs had been put out to take the weight off weary feet, pray the day’s final Decade of the Holy Rosary, sing Salve Regina, and have an erudite introduction to the mediaeval miracle at the heart of Our Lady’s unique and beautiful wayside shrine, built in thanksgiving for the Blessed Virgin’s prayers to her Son which averted what could have been a tragedy. Repairing to St Mary’s Parish Hall, we were met with Julie and Charlotte’s delicious refreshments, including cream scones prepared on site – and also a wonderful array of salads and juices brought by Kirkstall parishioner and allotment-owner Nattaley, who had walked with us much of the day, leaving to return home by ‘bus and prepare more home-made fare for the feast in Knaresborough!

After the first day of St Wilfrid’s Way, pilgrims either return home from Knaresborough Railway Station, stay in pre-booked accommodation, or in some cases are put up by kind locals, ready for those walking the second day of the Camino to set off promptly at 8.30am from outside The World’s End pub on the second half of the 34-mile pilgrimage. The stopping places on this second day are equally historic. St Joseph’s, Bishop Thornton, is one of the oldest churches in the Diocese, and one of three pre-dating the 1829 Catholic Relief Act. The Presbytery (currently home to a Ukrainian family) is even older as a Mass House and came into use at the time of the earlier Catholic Relief Act of 1791. Bishop Thornton is the usual rest stop for packed lunches before pressing on to Ripon via Markington. It has also always been a welcome ‘comfort stop’ for pilgrims, although the outdoor lavatory was very basic and not recommended for arachnophobes. This year, a ‘brand new loo’ in the old school building was a real luxury! Thus refreshed and relieved, the pilgrims headed for another of the treasures of the Diocese and a true highlight of St Wilfrid’s Way: the Recusant moated house and chapel of Markenfield Hall.

Leaving muddy boots on the ancient stone flags, we were warmly welcomed by Lady Deirdre and shown upstairs to the Hall’s C14th chapel. Stephen Habron led us in a decade of the Holy Rosary and spoke very movingly about his ten years of route planning, reccying and leading our now well-established diocesan ‘camino’ but, he said, now was the time to take a well-earned rest and ‘hand on the baton’ of these duties to another: his current camino co-leader, Ian Burrell. After a special Pilgrims’ Blessing was given by Deacon David Arblaster, Diocesan Director of Permanent Deacons, who had walked with us from his Parish of St Aelred in Harrogate, we bade farewell to Lady Deirdre until next year and set off on the last stage of the pilgrimage.

It is not for nothing that the final four miles into Ripon are described by some as being ‘on the last legs’ of the journey! However, pilgrims look forward to both spiritual and temporal refreshment at St Wilfrid’s in Ripon; arriving in time for the 5.30pm Saturday Vigil Mass, after which viaticum, comes the food and drink after the journey, in the form of the by now traditional ‘fizz and chips’ supper. Fr Jonathan Hart is Parish Priest at St Wilfrid’s and during Mass acknowledged Stephen Habron’s decade of dedicated camino leadership with a presentation. Fresh from the ‘fridge, the Prosecco was the perfect accompaniment to North Street Fisheries’ finest fare: fish and chips twenty-five times for those who were able to stay and celebrate at the Presbytery with Fr Jonathan and some of his parishioners.

St Wilfrid’s Way is an example of how initiatives for engagement and evangelisation can grow through leadership by lay faithful, with collaboration between parishioners and diocesan curia. The parish pilgrimage which became a diocesan tradition also inspired the ‘Hearts in Search of God’ project across the Catholic Church in England and Wales, from which came the National Jubilee Walking Pilgrimage of Hope which was walked by several St Wilfrid’s Way ‘regulars’. The Northern route of this was St Mark’s Way, led by Ian Burrell, to whom the baton of St Wilfrid’s Way ‘Camino Supremo’ – and also ‘Cattle Whisperer’ – has been handed.

Grateful thanks go to all the clergy, curia colleagues past and present and lay-faithful who support the St Wilfrid’s Way Pilgrimage! Pilgrims report that they look forward to this annual event and would be ‘heartbroken’ if it were ever to be cancelled – but there’s no danger of that; ‘the pilgrimage the pandemic could not prevent’ will still be over two days – and new pilgrims will always be welcome to walk any of the stages on either or both days.

To sign up for this, and all our diocesan and Laudato Si’ walking pilgrimages, simply get in touch with organisers Anna and this humble correspondent via our NEW email address pilgrimage-walks@dioceseofleeds.org.uk .

Rowan Morton-Gledhill is Director of Communications for the Diocese of Leeds. This blog was first published on the website of the Diocese of Leeds and is reproduced with thanks.

Next year’s St Wilfrid’s Way will be walked on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October 2026.

We look forward to seeing you ‘On Camino’!

A new video of the Jubilee Pilgrimage of Hope

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:37:48 GMT

A new video of the St Matthew's Way of the 2025 Jubilee national walking Pilgrimage of Hope!

The Pilgrimage of Hope was instigated by Phil McCarthy, project lead of the Hearts in Search of God project. Starting out from four points across England and Wales, the four legs converged at the Cathedral of St Barnabas in Nottingham in time for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on 14 September, in reference to the ‘cross’ signed across England and Wales by the four groups of pilgrims. Each of the four ‘Ways’ was named after an Evangelist: John, Mark, Matthew and Luke.

I joined the St Matthew’s Way pilgrims, led by Phil. This video records some of the highlights, and with thanks to Perpetual Pilgrim, Jim Cargin, for providing the soundtrack. More information about the Pilgrimage of Hope, and about other walking pilgrimages in England & Wales, can be found here .

I'm a pilgrimage researcher sharing stories of my pilgrimage adventures. Journey with me to find out what it means to be a pilgrim in the twenty-first century! More of my videos can be found on my Youtube channel .

Anne E Bailey

Walking the Francigena Britannica - with a baby!

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 10:20:39 GMT

Over the last 12 months, Alex Knox walked Britain’s newest pilgrimage with its youngest pilgrim. This is their story, first published in the annual magazine of the Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome.

At five weeks old, my daughter Stella screamed down the carriage of our packed commuter train en route to London Bridge to begin the Francigena Britannica, the new extension to the Via Francigena from Southwark to Canterbury. It wasn’t auspicious. It was the first time I had taken her alone into London, and as the decibel levels of her crying rose, I paused to reflect that maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.

Off the train, however, and having successfully coaxed her back to sleep, I pushed her for two-and-a-half hours in the direction of Canterbury. I was lucky to experience some remarkable stages along the Via Francigena in 2022, but I’m not sure any offered me quite as much satisfaction as that morning stroll along the Thames Path to Greenwich. Still dizzy in the aftermath of becoming a father, the simple of act of walking with her that day - hearing the wheels of her pram skim the paving slabs, to feel my legs stretching for the first time in weeks, to peer intermittently beneath the lid of her pram and see her still dozing on - made me happier than I could have hoped.

Averaging one walk per month, we accrued the miles slowly. After years of trying and failing to slow down while walking, it was travelling with a baby that finally did the trick. I had no choice but to travel at her speed, stopping when hunger and nappy changes dictated, and the result was surprisingly freeing. Sometimes we had to cut the days miles short of the intended destination, but I quickly learnt to be at peace with this. Prior to setting out, I had resigned myself to a sedentary year, accepting that my walking boots would likely see little more than the inside of a cupboard, so each day on the path seemed a bonus to me.

I learnt that it is just about possible to walk the Britannica with a buggy as far as Erith - though Abbey Wood, with its hills and jagged root systems, tripped us up several times. It was only after Stella was happy to be carried, when I could ditch the buggy in favour of the papoose, that we were able to push on beyond London and gain some proper momentum. Stella was five months old when we made it beyond the force field of the M25, and by this stage the game of catching her nap times in order to walk while she slept (a feature of all our early walks) was a thing of the past.

Alert to her surroundings, I could watch her observing the passing countryside as we walked. Before long, I noticed how calm Stella was in this new environment - how little entertainment I needed to provide her with along the way. She was beaming as we approached Shoreham. This was at the end of a day which had passed without even a whimper of protest. I could hardly believe it. I think that was the first moment when Canterbury seemed a realistic goal.

Babies, however, have a way of keeping you in check, and the subsequent stage to Wrotham, in late December, did just that I had trialled Stella in her new Osprey baby-rucksack near home, and the early signs were promising. A mile into the walk, however, still a good way short of Otford, and Stella, now pushing six-and-a half months, suddenly changed her mind on this front. The screams could be heard for miles around. Hastily switching her to the papoose, I managed to quell the worst of her meltdown, but a whole a bag of carrot puffs was required to get us as far as Otford, by which time Stella had a ginger beard to go with her tear-stained face. A shout out here to Sally’s Cake Emporium, whose staff couldn’t have been more helpful. Some warmth, a half an hour stint in a high chair, and a bottle of milk later, and Stella was back to herself. I didn’t dare try her in the rucksack again that day, however, which meant walking with her on my front and the rucksack on my back - not advised: my feet took a battering. Though we made it to Wrotham as planned, there was a sting in the tail during the walk to the railway station. With evening closing in, and the temperature dropping, Stella’s feet, unbeknownst to me, had managed to push free of her winter suit. By the time I had realised, they were red with cold. Aboard the train back to London, I battled with another bout of screaming. The day caused me to lose some confidence in the pilgrimage; it would be another eight weeks before we returned to the path.

It was during this hiatus that my own involvement with the path changed significantly. I found myself part of the Britannica Working Group and subsequently was invited to be its Chair. The path had been unanimously voted into being by the EAVF a couple of months earlier, and was now an official extension of the Via Francigena, so there was a lot of work to do. It meant that my mission to reach Canterbury with Stella was now closely interlinked with a separate endeavour, each of which would steadily enrich the other over the coming months.

I was relieved to find that, by the time we picked up the Britannica again at the end of February, Stella had grown to love the rucksack. I don’t say this lightly. Now eight months old, she was enjoying craning her head around while in the pram, and the opportunity to do this six feet in the air proved a revelation for her. Not only this, but she found she could very happily sleep and eat in the rucksack. She seemed disappointed whenever I motioned to take her out.

As we continued, there was a new practical element to our walk. Stella and I were now ‘ground-truthers’, responsible not only for testing the route but at times trialling proposed sections. On a handful of occasions, we found ourselves walking stretches of the path never tried before, which sometimes resulted in these being incorporated into the main route. We were, at times, actively walking a path into existence. I found this thrilling. Bit by bit, as late winter morphed into spring, we nudged our way along the Britannica, crossing the Medway in March.

The only rule I had imposed on the walk was that we would use only public transport to travel to and from London. The Britannica has excellent train connections, with every stage finishing within easy walking distance of a station, and we took full advantage of this. Naturally, the further we walked into Kent, the longer these train journeys became, to the extent that they proved a defining element of the journey. By April, when Stella was ten months old, she was confidently on the move, and she spent most of these journeys crawling on seats and carriage floors. Whether on trains or on the path, I learnt that you are rarely more approachable than when with a baby. In villages along the route, locals were invariably quick to comment on the rucksack and ask what we were up to. This was a chance to spread the good news about the Britannica. Again and again, I was struck by the wide-eyed reactions from locals when they heard how a single path now connected their village with Rome.

Vineyards, teeming hedgerows, birdsong. May brought with it new colours and scents. Stella seemed alive to the change. Now that she had learnt to point, I could see the path more clearly from her point of view: how trees and animals were most likely to grasp her attention. A passing dog would always spark a little 'duh' sound, the closest thing to her first word.

To my surprise and delight, the final stage to Canterbury turned into something of an event. A dozen friends joined Stella and me on the path, and still more were waiting to meet us in Canterbury. It was joyful, but also strange to be suddenly sharing the path with so many; and this effect was only amplified when, just a few miles short of Canterbury, in Chartham, we chanced upon an enormous gathering of pilgrims. There were more than five hundred of them, all having set off from Rochester, and were pausing for rest before the final push to Canterbury. A couple of priests were involved in a kickabout on the green.

They set out just ahead of us, chanting as they walked, and it took us half an hour to overtake them. I recalled the winter walks with Stella along the Britannica, when the path was mostly deserted, and when I remained unconvinced that we would ever reach Canterbury. Yet here we were, almost unable to move for pilgrims. In this, the first official year of the Britannica’s life, it seemed a very good omen. At the Cathedral, Stella and I both received our final pilgrim stamps and a pair of certificates for completing the Britannica. Stella enjoyed chewing on her complimentary bookmark, and I enjoyed sinking a few beers in The Old Buttermarket.

It’s been heartening and inspiring to watch the Britannica’s development of late. The recognition by the EAVF came just four-and-a-half months after Stella was born, and both seem to have grown at a similar rate. It’s been wonderful hearing the stories from pilgrims who have been walking the path this year. Nearly 600 photos of the route have been uploaded by walkers to the Komoot app. The path is well and truly alive.

This year’s journey with Stella along the Britannica is one I’ll long cherish. To a large extent, I got to watch her grow up along the path, each walk offering a little window in time through which I could measure how she was changing. I remember well that tiny wriggling girl who I set out with from Southwark. By the time we reached Canterbury, I could hold on to her shoulders while she trod some speculative steps of her own.

Alex Knox lives in London and is a trustee of Pilgrims to Rome. Stella is the youngest member.

Path to Pilgrimage

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 10:18:44 GMT

In this article, first published in the annual magazine of Pilgrims to Rome , Torin Brown, Pilgrim Officer at Canterbury Cathedral, asks why pilgrimage still 'packs a spiritual punch' in an age when many regard their journeys through life as meaningless.

It was a call to leave behind everything familial, familiar, and habitual to embark on a quest for something as yet unknown, to a place yet to be seen. A journey both outward to strange new places and inwards to increased self-knowledge and spiritual improvement, inevitable in such an endeavour. Stating openly that he was an atheist, and viewing his goal as meaningless seemed to be an intentional disposition advising others, or maybe even himself, not to read too much into the fact that he was walking to Rome, as the destination to him was meaningless from a religious point of view.

However, in seeking personal change, the goal of attaining some kind of inner transformation, was probably not meaningless at all. Despite his open declaration of atheism, there he stood on a sacred cathedral site engaging in the religious ritual of pilgrimage, on an ancient religious path to another sacred site of the holy city of Rome. In a confident modern world of individuality, science and technology, I wondered what the motivation could be behind utilising the process and backdrop of a religious ritual in his quest for personal change.

In an earlier survey conducted in 2022, the selection under ‘Reason for Pilgrimage’ proved interesting in that the choice of ‘Spiritual’ far outweighed ‘Faith’ and all other more secular reasons. Furthermore, in the previous year, the 2021 Office for National Statistics census saw not only a large decrease in people affiliating to Christianity, but an increase in those reporting ‘No Religion’. Out of those electing to express themselves as atheist, humanist or agnostic, the largest group aligning to “Any other religion” was agnostic. At a time when we appear to be bombarded with media and data evidence informing us that society is becoming ever more secular, it seemed startling to me that I would find the choice of ‘spiritual’ given as the main reason for embarking on a pilgrimage, so pronounced.

For this new increasing breed of secular pilgrims, writer Peter Stanford thinks these ancient trails still seem to “pack a spiritual punch” and he admits that the number of people walking pilgrimages these days is “striking and puzzling in our secular, sceptical age when organised religion in the west is in steep decline." He says that even if modern pilgrimage is religion-lite, it is not without a spiritual dimension as “significant numbers of those who walk the Camino, even among the more than 50% who disavow the label of religious, arrive at journey’s end…talking of how the experience has changed them” [1] .

"Why," asks Stanford, “In our otherwise markedly secular and sceptical times, especially in the developed world where the numbers of those who describe themselves as religious are in rapid decline, are people actively seeking out places whose history is soaked in the sort of faith that is anathema to them?” [2] . David Gergen wrote that “growing numbers of people are on a 'pilgrimage for spirituality'.” People have a sense of unease in their lives he said, and “the chase for material goods has left them with more toys and less satisfaction. The culture assaults their senses and politics seems stale. So, they are looking for something…they hope to find in a new inner life”. [3]

This sentiment seems to persist, but whilst modern society may be abandoning religious practice within the Christian tradition, there remains an overlap in the ethical and moral values to live a good life, imbued with religion, which orients people toward meaning. It appears that the yearning for meaning and the desire to cultivate a sense of the transcendent or spiritual, which “may be the defining human characteristic” [4] , is now enacted within a realm of a modern Western society that appears to be more and more largely devoid of the concept of God. Consequently, the potential for contact with what religious people deem to be transcendent realities is surrendered. This is a dimension for Stanford however, that is “bound up with pilgrimage” [5] . Pilgrimage to him, offers the possibility to bridge the gap between the profane and the sacred that continues to exert influence even in sceptical times, because the big questions of life, death and the suffering to which man is the tragic heir, might just be bought into sharp relief [6] , and what better place than the road, “that somewhere which is nowhere” to face the age-old questions of why we are here and what life means. [7]

In my new role as Pilgrim Officer at Canterbury Cathedral, I meet pilgrims of differing belief pathways, and one conspicuous thing is the point where I offer the chance of a pilgrim blessing and the tears usually start to flow. The Dean of Lichfield Cathedral remarked that “people talk incessantly of the spiritual experience they have had in cathedrals” and a man was recently observed in tears in an English cathedral saying, “I am a secular person, but something about this place has got to me." [8]

We should not ignore this quest for spirituality in special places where the membrane between the sacred and the profane is especially thin, and by keeping the doors open pilgrims may well experience this primitive yearning for meaning that is often present but camouflaged in the non-religious. As a recent pilgrim wrote, “Despite not being religious it was a meaningful experience and ending at Canterbury with a blessing was very important, different to previous walking holidays!”

I post pictures of pilgrims on Instagram to continue in a contemporary digital way the medieval tradition of portraying pilgrim stories in stained glass, and you can stand by the miracle windows where pilgrims with the same hopes and dreams, prayers and aspirations would have stood hundreds of years ago. Canterbury Cathedral offers a real chance to touch the past and connect with the heritage of pilgrimage.

Follow us @canterbury pilgrims and tell your pilgrim story at www.canterburypilgrims.co.uk to be documented as the monks would have done here in the 12th century. Email pilgrims@canterbury-cathedral.org or ask for me at the visit centre.

Torin Brown

References

[1] Stanford, P. (2021) Secular pilgrims: why ancient trails still pack a spiritual punch. Available at https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/mar/28/secular-pilgrims-why-ancient-trails-still-pack-a-spiritual-punch .

[2] (Stanford, P. (2021) Pilgrimage: journeys of meaning. London: Thames Hudson. p.11.

[3] Gergen, D. (1996) A pilgrimage for spirituality. U.S. News and World Report. 23 December, p.80

[4] Armstrong, K. (2009) The case for God. London: The Bodley Head. p.19

[5] Stanford, P. (2021) Pilgrimage: journeys of meaning. London: Thames Hudson. p.12.

[6 ] Ibid. p.219

[7] Preston, V. (2020) We are pilgrims. London: C. Hurst and Co Ltd. p.8-9.

[8] Twiston-Davies, B. (2019) “Oh to be a pilgrim in Britain’s green and pleasant land”. Available at https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/oh-to-be-a-pilgrim-in-britains-green-and-pleasant-land-n8lw3pwph

Pilgrimage of Our Lady of Christendom – Tewkesbury to Evesham, 28 June 2025

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 10:02:22 GMT

Christian Jenkins describes the first Our Lady of Christendom pilgrimage in the UK, from Tewkesbury Abbey to Evesham!

In the mists of the old kingdom of Mercia, a humble swineherd named Eof was tending his pigs near the River Avon. Suddenly, a radiant lady, clothed in white and surrounded by an intense heavenly light, appeared to him. Accompanied by two attendants, she asked that the place be made holy to her name. Eof brought Bishop Egwin of Worcester to the site and he too was granted a vision of the Virgin Mary who again asked for the site to be made holy to Her name. It was the year 702 A.D., and in that quiet corner of the Vale of Evesham, Our Lady had chosen to appear. This site—Eof’s ham or Evesham—would become one of the earliest known Marian apparition sites in England. Bishop Egwin, a holy reformer, opposed by some in his diocese, resolved to found a monastery in honour of the Virgin. To seek the Pope’s blessing, he journeyed to Rome and as an act of humility, he bound his feet in shackles and cast the key into the River Avon before setting off.

Upon arriving in Rome, Egwin appealed to Pope Constantine I, asking for recognition of the apparition and permission to build an abbey. The Pope remained hesitant—until a miraculous sign was given. During a meal, a fish caught from the Tiber was served. When it was cut open, the key to Egwin’s shackles was found inside. Convinced by this divine proof, the Pope approved Egwin’s request. Evesham Abbey was founded with papal blessing, and Egwin was eventually laid to rest in its church.

The abbey grew into one of the great Benedictine houses of the land. However, like so many sacred places, its story was violently interrupted on 27 January 1540, when during Vespers, the monks were expelled - The abbey dissolved under Henry VIII, and its once magnificent Church became a local quarry. Today, only fragments remain—the Lichfield Bell Tower, two parish churches, and stretches of wall that once surrounded the monastic precinct.

Although the shrine of Our Lady of Evesham is largely forgotten, at Walsingham, England’s national Marian shrine, a list of historic English Marian sites is engravedand first among them stands Evesham. In a land that bears the title “Our Lady’s Dowry”, the place of her first recorded apparition clearly deserves to be remembered. It was with this in mind that a group of pilgrims, inspired by a previous pilgrimage to Covadonga in Spain, came together to honour Our Lady of Evesham. What began as a conversation among friends became the seed of the Our Lady of Christendom Pilgrimage, and the date was set: 28 June 2025.

A Day of Grace and Reparation

Our pilgrimage began at Tewkesbury Abbey, in the ruins of its once-beautiful Lady Chapel—destroyed in the Reformation. A statue of Our Lady, said to be the cause of many miracles, was also lost. With this memory fresh in our minds, we gathered to walk in reparation and in hope. Eighty pilgrims set off together, families, young and old amongst us, walking through the medieval town under timber-framed buildings and fluttering banners. The sun began to peek through the clouds as we left the streets behind and entered the countryside.

As we walked, we prayed the Rosary, sang hymns to Our Lady, and shared in the silence and beauty. Our first stop came at Beckford, where we paused for rest and shelter in the village hall - by then the sun was strong, and shade was welcome. At Ashton-under-Hill, we took a longer break for lunch, sharing food and fellowship in the cool of the hall. Throughout the day, we were blessed by the presence of several Marian Franciscan Friars, who offered spiritual encouragement and a tangible witness to Our Lady’s love. The next stop brought us to the shade of a great yew tree at St Peter’s Church, Hinton-on-the-Green, where we paused for reflection. The meditation reminded us that Our Lady appeared to a humble swineherd—what wonders might happen if we too listened to her call with open hearts?

The final stretch took us alongside the River Avon—the same river where St Egwin threw his key all those centuries ago. We entered Evesham, weary but joyful, singing Christus Vincit and taking the final steps to the ruins of the abbey. We knelt near the high altar and apparition site, and sang the Salve Regina. Then, as if in heavenly confirmation, the bells of the Lichfield Bell Tower began to ring—spontaneously, not on the hour. It was a sign to us all that Our Lady was with us, just as she was with Eof and Egwin over 1300 years ago.

From there we continued to the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception and St Egwin, where Fr Lawrence Lew OP offered Mass in the Dominican Rite. The liturgy was enriched by a polyphonic choir, who sang the Te Deum as pilgrims processed into the church. The first-class relics of St Margaret Mary Alacoque and St Claude de la Colombière were also venerated —a beautiful link to the Sacred Heart, so loved by Our Lady.

To close the day, a group of pilgrims returned to the abbey site for sung Vespers in the historic Church of St Lawrence—one of only a few monastic buildings to survive the dissolution. It is very likely this was the first public Vespers sung there since the monks were expelled nearly five centuries ago.

A Dowry Remembered

Fifteen miles. Eighty pilgrims. Blazing sun. Centuries of history. But most of all, a shared desire: to honour Our Lady of Evesham, and to reignite devotion to her in a land that once bore her name. In this quiet corner of Worcestershire, pilgrims gathered not just to remember a forgotten apparition, but to proclaim their faith—to walk for Our Lady, and for Christendom. In doing so, we joined the long procession of saints and English faithful who have walked before us.

May Our Lady of Evesham once again lead England back to Her Son.

St Egwin – Pray for us

Our Lady of Evesham – Pray for us

Christian Jenkins

This article was first published in Mass of Ages , the journal of the Latin Mass Society of England & Wales. Photos copyright oloc

Our Lady of Christendom UK is an annual walking pilgrimage centred towards the celebration of the Tridentine Mass as the liturgy in the Roman Missal of the Catholic Church and for the intention to help the restoration of Kingdom of Christ in the UK. For more information visit: www.olchristendom.co.uk

The Good Way: a new pilgrimage podcast!

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 13:25:15 GMT

A podcast about pilgrimage has been launched, hosted and created by Torin Brown, the pilgrim officer at Canterbury Cathedral!

The podcast is for pilgrims and those thinking about pilgrimage. This is a show that will cover all aspects of this ancient practice, talking to authors, speakers and experienced pilgrims and giving insights and advice based on experience.

The most recent episode featured Nick Dunne, Chair of Trustees for Pilgrims to Rome. Like the Confraternity, he has a ton of experience and knowledge of pilgrimage, especially of the Via Francigena. Listen to his great experience and learn of his work and writing. Nick shares exciting news about the new extension to the Via Francigena, the Francigena Britannica and the Confraternity's conference for 2026!

Previous episodes have covered:

Pilgrim stories and their stained glass translation with Rachel Koopmans and Sheila Sweetinburgh
The work of Victoria Field, author and poetry therapist, talking about her recent pilgrimage from Canterbury to Rome on the Via Francigena
Torin's personal thoughts on what defines a pilgrim or pilgrimage, based on his experience, research and data
A conversation with Sandy Brown, author of 7 Cicerone pilgrimage guide books and one of the most respected experts on pilgrimage in Europe and America.

The podcast can be found by following the link below.

The Francigena Britannica

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 08:43:28 GMT

The Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome are delighted to announce the formal recognition of the Francigena Britannica from London to Canterbury, and their annual conference in London on 14th March 2026! In this article, first published as the introduction to the Pilgrims to Rome annual magazine, Nick Dunne, Chair of Trustees, shares the news.

It’s been a busy year since our last edition. We have been working since 2019 to develop the Francigena Britannica as a northern extension of the Via Francigena connecting London with the start of the historic VF at Canterbury, and you can find details of the route on our website. On 18 October 2024 Carlo Laurenzi, Honorary President of Pilgrims to Rome and I joined Councillor Connie Nolan and Bill Hicks of Canterbury Council at Monte Sant' Angelo in southern Italy to make a final presentation of the case for the Francigena Britannica to be formally recognised by the General Assembly of the European Association of the Vie Francigene (EAVF).

The vote to approve the Francigena Britannica as the Via Francigena link between London and Canterbury was unanimous and we now have permission for it to be marked with Via Francigena signage. There is still a great deal to do to fully realise this project's ambitions, but winning formal approval from the EAVF was a landmark moment in the story: we can now say with confidence and authority that the Francigena Britannica is part of the Via Francigena!

This is a major achievement for the small team of volunteers at the core of Pilgrims to Rome. Our annual budget of around £20,000 a year is funded from donations, membership fees and sales from our online shop. This enables us to develop and run our website, publish our e-newsletters and magazine, host our annual conference and online events and develop the Francigena Britannica. Our active membership at December 2024 was 328 (318 at December 2023), most of whom are from English-speaking countries: 43% of our members are UK based, 30% from the USA and Canada, 17% from Australia and New Zealand and 10% from other countries.

As well as providing practical support and information about the Via Francigena, we aim to create a community where pilgrims can share experiences and inspire others to walk, cycle or even ride on horseback this wonderful route across Europe. The stories in this magazine are evidence of this. Huge thanks to all of you - our members, donors and customers – and special thanks to the team of volunteers and trustees who enable Pilgrims to Rome to flourish.

Our next annual conference in London will be on Saturday 14 March 2026 in the Amigo Hall of St George’s Cathedral, near Waterloo Station. We look forward to seeing many of you there!

Nick Dunne is chair of trustees at Pilgrims to Rome. He walked the Via Francigena from Canterbury to Rome in stages over several years and his memoirs Walking on Holy Ground and From the Crowned Mountain are available from on-line retailers and the Pilgrims to Rome shop Shop – Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome

For more details of the Via Francigena Britannica and the annual conference visit the Confraternity's website.

Individual Walking Pilgrimage: the Basics

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 14:26:33 GMT

The key to any safe and successful walking pilgrimage is thorough preparation. This resource is a useful prompt.

Route Preparation

Wherever possible the route should be off road and along national walking trails. Potentially dangerous stretches of road should be avoided by changing the route. Roads with less traffic, wider verges or with clearer visibility should be chosen.

Physical Preparation

It is important that you prepare physically for your pilgrimage. You don't need to train intensively but make sure you have walked the distance you will need to walk each day. It is also important to make sure you have the right footwear, wet weather gear, appropriate clothing and any medication you take,

Read and then follow the Countryside Code . and Highway Code for Pedestrians .

There are helpful preparation tips from the Long Distance Walkers’ Association .

The Ramblers' Association has produced useful Ramblers’ Association safety advice .

The British Pilgrimage Trust has a helpful page on personal safety .

The Diocesan Pilgrim Way directions on this website have links to local public transport timetables so please check the latest information before you set off.

Beyond the essentials the less baggage you carry the happier you will be. This is true literally and also metaphorically. Travel light! A basic packing list may be useful and one can be downloaded here .

Insurance

You may wish to check that your travel insurance policy covers the activities involved in the walk. If not, you may want to contact the insurer to arrange the necessary cover. Specialist walking group insurers are available.

Equipment

Think about the equipment necessary for undertaking the walk. For example, this may include:

A whistle to call for help
Mobile phone and charger
Hi-Vis jacket and torch
Maps
First Aid kit, spare water bottle, sun protection cream.

Plan for the worst!

Should you become unable to continue due to an injury, you will need to decide how to manage this situation. This will depend on the remoteness of the route. You may need to contact Emergency Services or Mountain Rescue.

Alcohol and the road

Not a good combination. Avoid it during the walking day.

Individual Walking Pilgrimage: Enriching the Inner Journey

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 14:06:31 GMT

A pilgrimage is a journey undertaken by individuals or groups for religious or spiritual reasons, often to a sacred place or shrine of particular significance. It is an expression of faith and devotion that involves physical travel as well as inner exploration and transformation. Pilgrimages have been integral to many religious traditions throughout history, including Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism.

In the Catholic faith, a group pilgrimage is seen as a special journey of prayer and devotion. It is an opportunity for believers to deepen their relationship with God, seek spiritual renewal, and encounter the divine in tangible ways. Pilgrimages are not only about visiting holy sites but are also about the inward journey, seeking grace, forgiveness, healing, or enlightenment.

Planning the inner journey

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

Planning a personal pilgrimage is a sacred process. It can be a transformative and enriching spiritual experience. Walking alone provides the opportunity for solitude, encounter with strangers and closeness to nature. Individual walking pilgrimage can give insights into the communities passed through. .

The destination

When choosing a destination for your pilgrimage, consider the following factors:

Popular pilgrimage sites: Explore well-known pilgrimage sites, such as shrines dedicated to saints, historic churches, or locations associated with miracles or apparitions.
Accessibility: Ensure the pilgrimage site is accessible to you given your age and physical abilities.
Accommodation: If you need overnight accommodation, try to find options which align with the aims of the pilgrimage and are affordable. These may include retreat centres, religious houses or hospitable parishes. The British Pilgrimage Trust’s Sanctuary Network provides affordable options such as churches, church halls, village halls or sports pavilions.
Cultural relevance: The Catholic community in England & Wales is incredibly diverse in terms of ethnicity and culture. Consider the cultural context of the pilgrimage destination and its significance.

Setting dates and itinerary

Creating a well-planned itinerary is essential.

Dates: Select dates that coincide with religious feast days, significant anniversaries, or local events that enhance the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage. Don’t forget the weather!
Itinerary: Develop an itinerary that incorporates a variety of activities catering to spiritual, educational, and recreational needs. Include daily Mass if possible, opportunities for prayer and reflection, guided tours of sacred sites, and times of silence and openess to encounter with others.
Prayer and reflection: Plan specific prayer stops, devotions, and meditations that align with the pilgrimage theme or focus. Include encounters with local religious communities.

Before the way

I rejoiced when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”

Psalm 122:1

Preparing yourself spiritually is essential for a good pilgrimage experience.

Prayer and reflection resources can be found here .

Personal spiritual preparation: Prior to the pilgrimage research the route and plan to make the experience as deeply as possible. Try to find daily Scripture readings, novenas, or devotional exercises related to the pilgrimage theme.
Indentify a personal intention for the journey : This might be to pray for healing, to give thanks for some event, to commemorate a loved one or to raise money for a cause close to your heart.
Talk to others about your plans: Try to find books about the way you have chosen or speak to others who have walked it. Find resources that address the themes of the pilgrimage, such as faith renewal, healing, or devotion to specific saints.
Share your spiritual intentions: This may include your talking about your c oncerns and hopes for the pilgrimage with family, friends, and your home community.

On the road

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

Incorporating liturgies, personal prayer and rituals enhances the spiritual depth of the pilgrimage.

Resources can be found here .

Masses and Sacraments: Where possible, try to find Masses at significant pilgrimage sites, allowing yourself to participate in the liturgy and be nourished by the Eucharist. Receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession) can foster spiritual healing and renewal.
Devotions: Plan to include devotions that symbolise the journey of faith such as praying the Rosary, Stations of the Cross, or other traditional Catholic prayers relevant to the pilgrimage theme.
Rituals: Integrate symbolic rituals like lighting candles at sacred shrines, making offerings of prayer intentions, or reciting specific prayers associated with the pilgrimage's spiritual objectives.
Silence: It is good to include a period of intentionally silent walking, giving yourself the opportunity to reflect on your own intentions for the pilgrimage. Research guidance on contemplative practices that encourage inner reflection.
Fellowship: You may encounter others on the way. Try to be open to these as opportunities for sharing your pilgrimage with others. It may be possible to join communal meals, shared experiences, and social gatherings entoute.

At the destination

And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

Luke 13:29-30

It is important to plan how you will mark your arrival at the shrine or other destination, or there may be a sense of anti-climax.

Resources can be found here . Consider:

Welcome : by the Shrine Director, clergy, staff or parishioners.
Shared prayer : it is important to mark the end of the pilgrimage with a prayer which is relevant to the site and theme.
Tour of the destination and an explanation of its religious and cultural significance.
Devotions: for example, lighting three candles, one for the pilgrim’s personal intentions and for any that others have asked him or her to pray for, one in gratitude for the people who helped along on the Way, and one in hope for those who will follow.
Masses and Sacraments: Where possible, arrange a final Mass and the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession). If this is not possible then the Evening Prayer of the Church for the day may be a good way to end the pilgrimage.
Fellowship over tea and coffee is always welcome and a group photo with others at the destination!

After the way

Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

Continuing the pilgrimage experience beyond the journey itself is important for sustaining spiritual growth.

Resources can be found here .

Personal reflection : Try to reflect on the experience and to continue the journey.
Reflect and Learn: Consider offering to speak to your community to share the experience and its impact on your faith journey.
Plan Future Pilgrimages: Use insights from the pilgrimage experience to plan future pilgrimages that address the your evolving spiritual needs. Collaborate with other pilgrims, and clergy to identify new destinations, themes, and spiritual objectives for upcoming journeys.

Phil McCarthy

NB I am grateful to Molly Conrad and Elliot Vanstone for their contributions to the development of this resource.

Certificate of Completion

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 13:32:06 GMT

Congratulations on completing your pilgrimage. We hope it was a wonderful experience. Now you can download the certificate of completion.

Before you download the certificate of completion of your pilgrimage we would be grateful if you could complete the following brief questionnaire.

Your feedback is important to the project and to the pilgrims who will follow in your footsteps. After completing the questionnaire simply click the button at the bottom of the page to download the certificate.

Pilgrim Passport

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 12:10:45 GMT

Whether you will be walking alone or as part of a group a Pilgrim Passport identifies you as a pilgrim.

The Pilgrim Passport has several benefits. It may allow entry to Cathedrals such as Canterbury which charge entrance fees. It can be stamped at churches, shrines and places you stay and so form a record of the journey.

Please be aware that the Hearts in Search of God project is in an early phase and so do not be disappointed if no stamp is available or if the church is closed.

You can download the passport and add your name and details of the pilgrimage. You will be asked to complete a short questionnaire which helps us evaluate this Project.

Group Walking Pilgrimage: the Basics

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 16:37:05 GMT

This resource has been prepared to suggest checklist of basic set of policies and procedures that walking pilgrimage leaders and organisers can use. The key to any safe and successful walking pilgrimage is thorough preparation.

Route Preparation

Wherever possible the route should be off road and along national walking trails. The route should be trailblazed in advance, potential risks identified and a risk assessment created (see 6 below). Potentially dangerous stretches of road should be avoided by changing the route. Roads with less traffic, wider verges or with clearer visibility should be chosen.

Participant Preparation

It is important your participants prepare physically for their pilgrimage. They don't need to train intensively but make sure they have walked the distance you will need to walk each day. It is also important to make sure they all have the right footwear, wet weather gear, appropriate clothing and any medication they take,

They should read and then follow the Countryside Code .

There are helpful preparation tips from the Long Distance Walkers’ Association .

The Ramblers' Association has produced useful Ramblers’ Association safety advice .

The British Pilgrimage Trust has a helpful page on personal safety .

The Diocesan Pilgrim Way directions on this website have links to local public transport timetables so please check the latest information before you set off.

The less baggage a pilgrim carries the happier he or she is. This is true literally and also metaphorically. Travel light! A basic packing list may be useful and one can be downloaded here .

Road Safety Policy

You should develop a road safety policy which is appropriate for your route. For example, if your route is completely off road, you should still consider how you will ensure the safety of your group and other users such as cyclists and horse riders. If you are using highways your policy should be based on the Highway Code Rules for Pedestrians .

Larger walking groups should consider a group walking policy. For example:

The front and back markers should wear Hi-Viz vests and have whistles.
The leader for the day should be in the main body of the group.
When approached by a vehicle, the front or back person blows a signal:

One whistle = Vehicle Approaching

Two whistles = All Clear / No vehicle is approaching

Rapid whistle blasts = Emergency - get off the road (see drill in the Appendix below.)

The leader can then assess the situation and make decisions regarding the safety of the group.

You should also consider how to cross the roads as a group. For example:

Where there is no pelican crossing, always cross as a group.
Let the leader choose the crossing point, line up along the side of the road and wait for the signal to cross together.
The two people watching out for traffic will signal all clear and the lead person will confirm all clear and get everyone across safely.

Insurance

You should check if your organisation’s insurance policy covers the activities involved in the walk. If not, you will need to contact the insurer to arrange the necessary cover. Should you need to arrange a stand-alone insurance policy this can be done and should not be excessively expensive. Specialist walking group insurers are available.

Safeguarding

You should consider if your group will include children (younger than 18 years old) or adults who may be at risk of abuse or neglect. You should discuss the pilgrimage with your diocese or other organisation’s safeguarding lead and take their advice. Many walking pilgrimages insist that children must be accompanied by their parent(s) or of a designated responsible adult. Pilgrimages organised by Catholic bodies must follow the standards set by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency . If you are organising a walking pilgrimage independently you must create an appropriate safeguarding policy. Guidance can be found on the Pilgrim Cross website .

Health and Safety

As part of the route trailblazing a risk assessment should be developed to identify potential hazards and ensure they are avoided or mitigated as far as possible. An example, based on a model developed in the Diocese of Leeds, can be found here . This should be used to provide a health & safety briefing for pilgrims at the start of the walk. An example can be found here . This should include the road crossing procedure, a check that pilgrims have sufficient water, food and appropriate clothing and footwear. Carry incident forms to record any that occur.

Everyone participating in the Pilgrimage must adhere to the policies and procedures. It is therefore recommended that persons can only allowed to join the group at appropriate points agreed in advance so they can be briefed and told what is expected of them.

The risk assessment should be adapted as the walk takes place. For example, a field which was empty when trailblazed may hold a herd of frisky cattle on the day of the walk, requiring a change of route.

Equipment

Think about the equipment necessary for undertaking the walk. For example, this may include:

Two whistles
Mobile phones (x2 preferably different networks) and chargers
Hi-Vis jackets for walk leaders
Maps for the walk leader and a backup set
First Aid kit, spare water bottle, sun protection cream.

Leading the group safely

A system for managing the group must be agreed in advance and then implemented by the walk leaders. Pilgrims should be made aware of the system during the health & safety briefing at the start of the day. Road safety roles must be clearly defined before the walk begins, and any person who takes on this responsibility should be made fully aware of what is expected from them. The walk leader should make pilgrims aware of any hazards identified on the day’s route by the trailblazers and the plan to mitigate the risks.

Injured walker procedure

Should a walker become unable to continue due to an injury, the leaders must plan for how the walk can continue (if possible) without putting the casualty at risk. It may be that a parish volunteer or taxi may be contacted to arrange a pickup of the injured walker. The injured walker should be positioned comfortably with at least one other walker to wait with them, and a minimum of one mobile phone with good charge which has the leaders’ contact numbers. It is good practice to follow up anyone who has had to leave the walk by phone later. Record what happened using an incident form.

Alcohol and the road

Should a pilgrim seem unable to comply with road safety instructions or to be argumentative due to intoxication, the person should be asked to leave the pilgrimage as soon as safely possible. Walk leaders should be careful about drinking alcohol and avoid it during the walking day.

Appendix: Example of an emergency drill

The emergency signal is continual short whistle blasts. The group should be taught to react without hesitation and without question. The emergency drill must be initiated immediately. Failure to implement the emergency drill effectively is one of the most likely causes of multiple fatalities on a walk.

Halt all traffic
Call 999
Give First Aid
Take photos
Communicate

The walk leader should phone the casualty’s emergency contact person if appropriate as well as the informing the pilgrimage organisation who will contact the insurer. The walk leader should record the details of the emergency and actions taken on an incident form or his or her phone.

Group Walking Pilgrimage: Enriching the Inner Journey

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:16:14 GMT

Planning the inner journey

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

Planning and leading a group pilgrimage are sacred responsibilities, offering leaders the opportunity to play a joyful role in the spiritual journey of fellow believers by providing them with a transformative and enriching spiritual experience. A group pilgrimage can bring together people from diverse backgrounds who share a common faith and purpose. Pilgrimage can foster a sense of unity and solidarity within the Catholic community and more widely.

The destination

When choosing a destination for your pilgrimage, consider the following factors:

Popular pilgrimage sites: Explore well-known pilgrimage sites, such as shrines dedicated to saints, historic churches, or locations associated with miracles or apparitions.
Accessibility: Ensure the pilgrimage site is accessible to participants of varying ages and physical abilities.
Accommodation: If you need overnight accommodation, try to find options which align with the aims of the pilgrimage and are affordable for all. These may include retreat centres, religious houses or hospitable parishes. The British Pilgrimage Trust’s Sanctuary Network provides affordable options such as churches, church halls, village halls or sports pavilions.
Cultural relevance: The Catholic community in England & Wales is incredibly diverse in terms of ethnicity and culture. Consider the cultural context of the pilgrimage destination and its significance, trying to widen the appeal.

Setting dates and itinerary

Creating a well-planned itinerary is essential.

Dates: Select dates that coincide with religious feast days, significant anniversaries, or local events that enhance the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage. Don’t forget the weather!
Itinerary: Develop an itinerary that incorporates a variety of activities catering to spiritual, educational, and recreational needs. Include daily Mass if possible, opportunities for prayer and reflection, guided tours of sacred sites, and moments of silence for personal contemplation as well as fellowship.
Prayer and reflection: Plan specific prayer stops, devotions, and meditations that align with the pilgrimage theme or focus. Include time for group discussions, spiritual talks, and encounters with local religious communities.

Before the way

I rejoiced when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”

Psalm 122:1

Preparing participants spiritually is essential for a good pilgrimage experience.

Resources can be found here .

Encourage personal spiritual preparation: Prior to the pilgrimage, provide participants with guidance on prayer and reflection practices to deepen their readiness. Perhaps recommend daily Scripture readings, novenas, or devotional exercises related to the pilgrimage theme.
Provide pre-pilgrimage gatherings or virtual sessions: Participants can engage in discussions, listen to spiritual talks, and receive guidance from clergy or experienced pilgrims. These can address the themes of the pilgrimage, such as faith renewal, healing, or devotion to specific saints.
Sharing: Create opportunities for participants to share their spiritual intentions, concerns, and hopes for the pilgrimage. Foster a supportive environment for mutual encouragement and spiritual sharing among pilgrims.

On the road

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

Incorporating liturgies, shared prayer and rituals enhances the spiritual depth of the pilgrimage.

Resources can be found here .

Masses and Sacraments: Where possible, arrange Masses at significant pilgrimage sites, allowing pilgrims to actively participate in the liturgy and be nourished by the Eucharist. An opportunity for pilgrims to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession) can foster spiritual healing and renewal.
Devotions: Plan to include devotions that symbolise the journey of faith such as praying the Rosary, Stations of the Cross, or other traditional Catholic prayers relevant to the pilgrimage theme.
Rituals: Integrate symbolic rituals like lighting candles at sacred shrines, making offerings of prayer intentions, or reciting specific prayers associated with the pilgrimage's spiritual objectives.
Silence: It is good to include a period of silent walking, giving pilgrims the opportunity to reflect on their own intentions for the pilgrimage. Provide guidance on contemplative practices that encourage inner reflection and spiritual renewal.
Fellowship: Building a sense of community is essential for fostering spiritual growth and solidarity among participants. This can include communal meals, shared experiences, and social gatherings.

At the destination

And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

Luke 13:29-30

It is important to plan how you will mark your arrival at the shrine or other destination, or there may be a sense of anti-climax.

Resources can be found here .

Welcome : by the Shrine Director, clergy, staff or parishioners.
Shared prayer : it is important to mark the end of the pilgrimage with a prayer which is relevant to the site and theme.
Tour of the destination and an explanation of its religious and cultural significance.
Devotions: for example, lighting three candles, one for the pilgrim’s personal intentions and for any that others have asked him or her to pray for, one in gratitude for the people who helped along on the Way, and one in hope for those who will follow.
Masses and Sacraments: Where possible, arrange a final Mass and the opportunity for pilgrims to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession). If this is not possible then the Evening Prayer of the Church for the day may be a good way to end the pilgrimage.
Fellowship over tea and coffee is important, as well as a group photo!

After the way

Matthew 11:28-30

Continuing the pilgrimage experience beyond the journey itself is important for sustaining spiritual growth.

Resources can be found here .

Personal reflection : Encourage pilgrims to reflect on the experience and to continue the journey.
Gather Feedback: Feedback from participants on their experiences, insights gained, and suggestions for improvement can be useful to shared (anonymously) with the community and inspire future pilgrims.
Reflect and Learn: Consider hosting reflection sessions or retreats where participants can collectively reflect on the pilgrimage's impact on their faith journey.
Plan Future Pilgrimages: Use insights from the pilgrimage experience to plan future pilgrimages that address the evolving spiritual needs of the community. Collaborate with participants and clergy to identify new destinations, themes, and spiritual objectives for upcoming journeys.

Phil McCarthy

NB I am grateful to Molly Conrad and Elliot Vanstone for their contributions to the development of this resource.

FCJ Lindisfarne Pilgrimage 8-12th April 2026

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 14:01:49 GMT

The FCJ Lindisfarne Pilgrimage for Young Adults (20's and 30's), 8-12th April 2026, is open for registration! The route is along part of St Cuthbert's way and across the ancient pilgrims path to Holy Island. There will be opportunity for prayer, reflection, walking and lots of socialising!

To register interest please complete the form: https://forms.gle/pHp95sf3GvL59Rms9

Cost £170 (not including travel to and from the pilgrimage)

Accommodation is in a Bunkhouse on the mainland. This is basic accommodation with bunkbeds and simple facilities. There is an open fire and some storage heating. Further information about the accommodation: http://www.bunkhousenorthumberland.co.uk/

Each day we will drive to the start of the walk and arrange to be collected from the end. The terrain is easy but open countryside and so it is essential to have good walking shoes, a backpack and waterproof jacket. We will have prayer together every day and opportunity for Mass on a couple of the days.

Programme:

8th April - Arrivals
9th April - Walk part of St Cuthbert's Way (Approx 15km)
10th April - Walk part of St Cuthbert's Way (Approx 15 - 20 km)
11th April - Walk onto Lindisfarne across the Pilgrims' Causeway and spend the day on the island.
12th April - Visit Durham Cathedral and then departures

This pilgrimage is organised by the FCJ Young Adult Network https://www.facebook.com/FCJYOUNGADULTNETWORK .

For more information email Sr Lynne fcJ on fcjcentresthughs@gmail.com .

This is a ministry of the sisters, Faithful Companions of Jesus - www.fcjsisters.org .

'Heart speaks unto heart': A Pilgrimage with Dr Newman

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:39:07 GMT

St John Henry Newman was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church on 1st November 2025. He is one of only 38 such Doctors and only the third Englishman. To mark this, and to commemorate his spiritual jouney, I walked a pilgrimage to Littlemore in Oxford, arriving on the day of the proclamation.

Newman was a strong walker as as a young man, and he would walk the eighteen miles from Oxford to Over Worton starting at 4am and arriving ‘punctually at the breakfast table’! His life can be understood as a pilgrimage. One of his biographers writes:

' Newman had moved from evangelicalism through rationalism into a perception of the Church of England as Catholic and from there on to Roman Catholicism. He had been growing; he had been on a pilgrimage. ' (Strange, R. [2008] John Henry Newman A Mind Alive . DLT page 143)

I walked from Deddington where John Henry Newman gave his first public address in 1825, via Over Worton, where he preached his first sermon as an Anglican priest. My pilgrimage continued to Oxford where Newman was educated, was ordained as an Anglican minister and led the High Anglican Tracterian Movement. My route ended at Littlemore where Newman founded a High Anglican church and in 1845 converted to the Catholic faith and was received into the Church by Blessed Dominic Barberi. He founded a small college which can be visited today, details here .

This pilgrimage is an adaption of the existing Newman Pilgrimage which is based on the journeys Newman made from Oxford to Over Worton. Details of that pilgrimage can be found here: http://www.newmanpilgrimage.org/ . I am grateful to Rev Hugh White and all those who developed this walk in 2013.

Neither pilgrimage route follows Newman's probable path which is now a busy road. This Way follows Newman's spiritual path; from Evangelical, to High Anglican and finally Catholic. He was ordained a Catholic priest in Rome in 1847, became a Cardinal in 1879 and died in 1890. He was declared a Saint in 2019 and a Doctor of the Church in 2025. A Doctor of the Church is a person of great holiness and learning whose teaching and wisdom resonated with their contemporaries, and still illuminates, instructs and inspires today.

More about Cardinal Newman and what it means to be a Doctor of the Church can be found here: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/newman-doctor-of-the-church/

Find out more about the route and download the GPX file below.

More details will follow.

Mass for Pilgrims

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 11:02:27 GMT

A Mass for Pilgrims of Hope: 2pm on Saturday 22nd November at Westminster Cathedral in central London! All welcome.

The Pilgrimage of Hope: Memories of the St Mark's Way

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 09:01:37 GMT

The Pilgrimage of Hope was a national walking pilgrimage for England & Wales starting from Cardiff, Leeds, Norwich and London and converging at the Cathedral of St Barnabas in Nottingham. The 4 routes, named after the Saints Matthew, Mark, Luke & John, were created by Dr Phil McCarthy.

I was lucky to be invited to be a perpetual pilgrim (one of those who walked the whole route) and chose to walk St Mark’s Way from Leeds mainly because I knew very little about that part of the country and not because it was the shortest route – a mere 106 miles compared with St Matthew’s Way from Cardiff, 210 miles.

On the morning of 6 September we were joined by 30 day pilgrims for mass at the Cathedral Church of St Anne in Leeds before heading towards the Aire & Calder Navigation canal/river path which also formed part of the Transpennine cycle way, so a nice flat walk. The sun shone, swans and geese preened themselves by the river and we got to know our fellow pilgrims. As we passed under the M1 a piece of street art on a pillar stated “Follow your soul, it knows the way” but we also had the route on Outdooractive just in case. For a first day walk 15 miles seemed very long but as we trudged up to the doors of St Austin ’s church we were greeted by the priests and parishioners and given a much welcomed cup of tea and cake.

Our routine for each day: we would be joined by different group of day pilgrims and, depending on our time of arrival, we would either have mass in our designated church in the morning or evening. At noon we would stop to say the Angelus and we carried with us a little statue of St Peter made from “streaky bacon limestone” - he had his photo taken along the way to chart our journey. Luckily one of our perpetual pilgrims had obtained a grant which enabled us to stay in hotels and not on church floors as some of the other routes had to. On three occasions I and another pilgrim bailed out at the 10 mile mark and got a lift, tram or bus to our destination. Cheating? No. Pilgrims often took advantage of the passing horse and cart.

Our route continued through the historical industrial north. 14 ^th century chapels on bridges, extra ordinary hospitality, particularly in Wombwell where not only did we receive a cup of tea and cake, but supper and breakfast the next morning. At the Anglican Cathedral in Sheffield there was a beautiful textile exhibition called Threads through the Cross https://www.jacqui-textile.com/the-cross/ . I was pleased to meet our CSJ Region Rep for Yorkshire, James O’Malley who joined us on the walk from Sheffield.

Indeed, the journey from Sheffield to Padley (day 4) was most interesting. We had our first proper hill leading to an old Roman road stretching across moorland. This led to ancient woodland, definitely Lord of the Rings territory, before reaching the historic Padley Chapel where in 1588 Richard Ludlam and Nicholas Garlic were arrested and later executed in Derby for the ‘treason’ of being Catholic priests. In Eastwood, the home of D H Lawrence, the church of Our Lady of Good Counsel, where we were greeted by enthusiastic school children, also has the honour of being the shrine of the Beauville Martyrs – Saints John Houghton and Robert Lawrence, two Carthusian monkswho were hung drawn and quartered at Tyburn in 1535.

And so on day 8, Saturday 13 September, we arrived - in the first real rain we had encountered - at the Cathedral of St Barnabus, Nottingham. The 4 routes met, we had a thanksgiving service where a representative from each group of pilgrims read a short reflection on their journey. An Apostolic Blessing (see photo) was bestowed on us all and the original presented to Phil McCarthy – well deserved. We then celebrated with a meal and a ceilidh. The Pilgrimage finally ended on Sunday morning in the Cathedral with a Solemn Mass for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Annie Sparkes was a perpetual pilgrim on the St Mark's Way of the Pilgrimage of Hope.

This article will also be published in the Spring Newsletter of the Confraternity of St James .

Photo copyright - Diocese of Leeds/Morton-Gledhill

The Autumn 2025 Hearts in Search of God Newsletter

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 10:01:11 GMT

Welcome to the Autumn 2025 Hearts in Search of God Project newsletter.

The Pilgrimage of Hope

641 miles walked and 21,257 feet climbed over 45 days on 4 Ways
20 Perpetual Pilgrims walked the full distance joined by over 250 Day Pilgrims

The 2025 National Walking Pilgrimage of Hope

The theme of the 2025 Jubilee is ‘pilgrims of hope’ and this inspired a national walking pilgrimage with four main Ways converging at the Cathedral of St Barnabas, Nottingham, on Saturday 13th September 2025, for shared prayer and celebration. The four main Ways started at the Catholic cathedrals in Cardiff, Leeds, Norwich and London, and blessed our nations with the Sign of the Cross and with the Gospels. We strove to embody the values of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, who generously funded the initiative, of compassion, faith, prayer and community.

A small group of 'perpetual pilgrims' walked the full distance of each Way, and about 250 day pilgrims joined for one or more day stages. The pilgrims experienced generous hospitality in the parishes and communities enroute: Masses were said, blessings given, food and accommodation provided, and rucksacks transported. We were often overwhelmed by the generosity of those we encountered.

Theresa Alessandro has created a wonderful podcast which gives an overview of the Pilgrimage.

Next Steps!

The Diocesan Ways

If you missed the Pilgrimage of Hope, or if you are inspired by it, then walking one of the Diocesan Ways could be a good next step. There is one in every diocese.

If you walk one I would be grateful for any feedback you have about the Way, and especially any route updates and changes .

After your pilgrimage remember to download your certificate of completion .

Resources

‘Walking through Scripture' is a creative new free resource by Fleur Dorrell. It's designed for any one or any group who are: about to embark on a pilgrimage, walking from one church to another, visiting a shrine or sacred place, walking as an opportunity to pray, reflect and meditate in the open air or at home and wishing to make a spiritual walk with God.

Several new resources about group walking pilgrimage will be created as the result of the experience gained by the Pilgrimage of Hope. These will be appearing over the next few weeks.

News, Stories & Events

Thanks to all those who have contributed news and stories over the last few months. Topics include:

Where Heaven and Earth Meet : Podcaster Theresa Alessandro met the northern pilgrims at Padley Martyrs’ Chapel and was entranced. She returned to record a special edition of her podcast about the Chapel’s history.
A Self-Guided Pilgrimage through Birmingham City Centre : Father Hudson’s Caritas have created a new reflective journey through the heart of Birmingham.
John Bradburne Memorial Society Annual Pilgrimage : The Annual Pilgrimage in Cumbria took place on 6th September 2025.
On the Way of St Francis : The pilgrimage from La Verna to Assisi was the last in a series of walks Eddie Gilmore did with his wife, Yim Soon, and held particular significance for them both. During an interminable hill climb Yim Soon asked Eddie: “But why are we walking?” Later Eddie undertook a solitary pilgrimage to the all-male monastic enclave of Mount Athos .
Psychology of Pilgrimage : I was delighted to be invited by Dr Heather Warfield to contribute to her podcast. We discussed my pilgrimages to Rome and Istanbul, and particularly my walks through the Great War battlefields of the Somme and Gallipoli.
Walking in the Footsteps of London’s Saints : A group of 25 pilgrims gathered at the English Martyrs Church by Tower Hill on the Feast of the Ascension, to take part in a pilgrimage led by Westminster Diocese Justice and Peace Co-Ordinator Colette Joyce.
An Italian Pilgrim to England : Mario Mancini came to Merseyside in search of the 'Apostle to England’ Blessed Dominic Barberi of the Mother of God.
Walking the St Wulstan’s Way : Peter Chisholm gives his account of this pilgrimage, tracing St Wulstan’s life and legacy, from Worcester Cathedral to Clifton Cathedral.
Walking the Augustine Camino with Mary's Meals : Roy Peachey finds his pilgrimage enchanting, if physically demanding.

If you have a story or a pilgrim resource or event to share, please contact me through the website.

Please feel free to share his newsletter with people who may be interested. I hope you enjoy the website, designed by the wonderful people at

Everyday Christian Marketing.

Wishing you every blessing and joy in this Jubilee year, during which we are challenged to become ‘pilgrims of hope’.

Buen camino!

Phil McCarthy, Project Lead

Our Pilgrimage on the St Cuthbert Mayne Way

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 11:07:42 GMT

Our group of pilgrim walkers undertook the newly opened St Cuthbert Mayne Way from Plymouth Cathedral to our National Shrine Church of St Cuthbert Mayne. The walk was undertaken in stages spanning three days over separate weeks, a total of 35.7 miles.

Day One: Plymouth Cathedral to Calstock 13.9 miles

The day began with Mass followed by a blessing for the pilgrims by Father John. Walking through Plymouth the route led us to the Catholic Church of Our Most Holy Redeemer Church, Keyham, originally built as an onshore church for Royal Naval Personnel. We were graciously welcomed by Charles and after time for prayer and reflection we enjoyed refreshments before continuing to the Catholic Church of St Paul in St Budeaux. In St Paul’s, Martin our host, informed us that the interior is said to be inspired by the Basilica of St Paul, Outside the Walls in Rome.

Tamerton Foliot was our next destination. Despite a torrential downpour our spirits remained high, and we soon reached breathtaking countryside whilst enroute to Lopwell Dam on the River Tavy. This stage of the walk was time critical as the crossing was dictated by tide times. We really were connecting with nature, the environment, and its beauty. Lopwell Dam was where we took a short break before starting the long climb towards Bere Alston, where it was necessary to catch the train to Calstock, the final leg of Day 1.

Day Two: Calstock to Milton Abbot 10.9 miles

Today the weather was kinder to us however we knew that there would be a lot of climbs ahead. Leaving Calstock, we had a steady rise to the Anglican Church of St Andrew. The church stands within a recently discovered Roman fort. By chance the church was just being opened as we arrived which gave us the opportunity to spend time there. It is a beautiful church designated a Celtic quiet place. Next stop was the Tamar Valley Garden Nursery, having contacted them the day beforehand they made us most welcome and we enjoyed coffee and cake.

Continuing, the route took us along the banks of the River Tamar to Gunnislake. This was a particularly scenic section giving us time to reflect on the beauty of our surroundings. After crossing New Bridge we experienced a sharp ascent to Latchley, from there onwards to Horsebridge. After refuelling we set off on the final climb for Milton Abbot, ending the day visiting the Anglican Church of Saint’s Constantine and Aegidius.

Day Three: Milton Abbot to the National Shrine of St Cuthbert Mayne 9.9 miles

The final leg took us predominantly along quiet lanes. Leaving Milton Abbot, we walked down to Greystone Bridge crossing the River Tamar into Cornwall. Skirting around Greystone Quarry we passed Kellisryn Halt en route to Lawhitton, passing the Anglican Church of St Michael. From there we climbed to Treniffle, over the A30 towards Launceston Rugby Club. Launceston came into view with the Castle dominating the skyline. Arriving in the Town Square we viewed the paving stone marking the site of the execution of Cuthbert Mayne in 1577. Progressing through the Castle grounds we passed the dungeon where Cuthbert Mayne was held before making our way to the Priory to cross Kensey Bridge to our pilgrim goal of St Cuthbert Mayne Church.

Our pilgrimage was now complete; it was not only a physical journey but extremely spiritual and rewarding. What an incredible experience we shared together, it was a thought-provoking pilgrimage giving us the opportunity for prayer and reflection.

John Ashdown

Walking the Augustine Camino with Mary’s Meals

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 11:53:55 GMT

La vraie vie est nomade. True life is nomadic. That is the view of the great French novelist and essayist, Sylvie Germain. The older I become, the truer this statement seems.

As a Kentishman now living in exile in Surrey, I have lived a peripatetic existence that has taken me to Cambridgeshire, Cumbria, London, Norfolk, Oxfordshire, and Yorkshire. My life has been lived in cars and sometimes on trains but only occasionally on foot. I walked only when no other option was available. As my, and everyone else’s, life became increasingly tech-tethered – especially during and after Covid – this really began to bug me.

But when I started working for Mary’s Meals, a really wonderful charity that serves life-changing school meals to more than three million children in some of the world’s poorest communities, I sensed an opportunity. I am the Supporter Engagement Officer for Kent, Surrey and Sussex, which means I have the privilege of telling the Mary’s Meals story in schools, churches, and community groups across the South-East. I am, in effect, a travelling storyteller, which means that I have a licence to explore the region where I was born and bred. Unfortunately, it also means I spend a lot of time in the car when I really want to walk, to learn through the soles of my feet, to give time to people and to God in prayer. Organising a pilgrimage seemed an obvious solution.

Having been brought up on the Kentish North Downs, I knew about the Pilgrims’ Way from London to Canterbury and assumed it was the only route to take, but, when I started seriously planning, I stumbled across the Augustine Camino from Rochester Cathedral to Canterbury Cathedral and then onto the Shrine of St Augustine in Ramsgate. Even better! By September 2025, almost 30 pilgrims had signed up, some of whom planned to walk the whole route, while others wanted to walk for between and one and three days. We welcomed them all.

Our largest group of the week gathered for the first day’s walk from Rochester to Aylesford Priory, a place I’d only ever visited by driving down the M20. After a tour of the cathedral and a pilgrims’ blessing, we set off through my hometown and, in a sense, I discovered the city for the first time. We walked along the River Medway and then climbed up onto the chalk and looked down on it. We walked through fields and woods, through rain and sun, talking, listening, sharing jokes and stories, enjoying the freedom of the day.

That was how we started. The rest of the week was equally enchanting, though sometimes physically demanding. My right boot disintegrated on day two: my left boot on day six. But it didn’t really matter. A fellow pilgrim carried out emergency repairs with his spare bootlaces and we walked on through villages I had never got round to visiting before. They welcomed us nonetheless, as we visited their pubs and churches, savoured the sound of their long-rooted names: Burham, Sandling, Eccles, Boxley, Detling, Thurnham, Hucking, Bredgar, Milstead, Doddington, Kingsdown, Painters Forstal, Ospringe, Boughton under Blean, Fordwich, Wickhambreaux, Stodmarsh, West Stourmouth, Pluck’s Gutter, Minster, and Cliffs End. An ancient Kentish litany.

As we walked, I wondered what pilgrimage gives the pilgrim? What did this pilgrimage give us? First, it gave us time. Time to be with other people. To pay them attention. To talk and listen to them. We are all time-poor. To be rushed is an inescapable part of modern life. But over those seven days – as we walked through orchards, vineyards, and ancient woodlands – we freed ourselves from the clock and rediscovered time. Second, it opened our eyes. Too often we see the world through windscreens. Places blur with speed. We assume that the only sights worth seeing are the ones we drive or fly to. But when we walked the Camino, we saw what we usually glaze over and rush past. Bats cascading through ancient churches. Wild fruit clustering by the path’s side. The slow transformation of the Kentish countryside. Third, it enabled prayer. This wasn’t a long-distance walk: it was a pilgrimage. We walked and we talked. We listened and we prayed. The highlight of the pilgrimage for many was praying the Rosary each day, sometimes in pouring rain, sometimes in dazzling sunshine, once with a rainbow arcing over us. It was also a real blessing to begin or end each day with Mass. In Aylesford Priory, in St Thomas of Canterbury Church in Canterbury (with their relic of St Thomas Becket on the altar), at the Shrine of St Augustine of Canterbury in Ramsgate (in the presence of a relic of St Augustine). This was walking boosted sacramentally to a whole new level.

We walked for our own enjoyment but we also, and primarily, walked for others. We walked in solidarity with the children Mary’s Meals serves, some of whom walk up to two hours to school each day. We prayed for each other and for hungry children around the world. Some of our pilgrims raised sponsorship money too, knowing that it costs just £19.15 to feed a child for a year with Mary’s Meals. Funds are still coming in but something like 250 children will be able to eat our nutritious meals for a whole school year thanks to the generosity of our pilgrims and their supporters. At Mary’s Meals we have confidence in the innate goodness of people, we respect the dignity of every human being and family life, and we believe in good stewardship of resources entrusted to us. Giving time to people matters. Listening to people matters. Caring for the world in which we live matters. All of which means that pilgrimage matters too, even in the 21 ^st century. Especially in the 21 ^st century.

As we walked into Ramsgate with the sea to the right and the sun to the left, our dominant feeling was one of gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to step away from the busyness of life. Gratitude for the companionship we had found. Gratitude for a week well walked. When we said our goodbyes, we promised we would walk this way again.

Roy Peachey

To find out more about our pilgrimage, visit https://roypeachey.substack.com/p/walking-the-augustine-camino .
To find out more about Mary’s Meals and our work to bring hope for a better future to hungry children, visit marysmeals.org.uk
You can find more about the Augustine Camino here .

Where Heaven and Earth meet

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 11:06:34 GMT

In this special episode of the All Kinds of Catholic podcast Theresa Alessandro returns to Padley Chapel on the St Mark's Way of the Pilgrimage of Hope.

Cycling towards serenity

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 15:46:28 GMT

Reaching St John’s cathedral, mother church to our little temple in Twyford, I found a calming space. On the way out of the door, my eye was taken by an information piece about the Venerable Mary Potter, a remarkable lady from the Victorian era with connections both in Portsmouth cathedral (my beginning) and Nottingham cathedral (my planned destination). Surely this was a heaven-sent sign!

That first day, setting out from Portsmouth late in the afternoon was a race against time. It ended more or less in a dead heat where I arrived at a farm campsite on the fringes of the South Downs, 6 miles beyond Arundel, just as the sun was setting. I hastily pitched my tent and cooked supper by the light of my head-torch to a soundtrack of a screech owl patrolling the nearby woods. From this hasty start, things became more orderly. Averaging 62K (about 40 miles) a day, I arrived in Nottingham’s St Barnabas’ Cathedral 8 days after setting out, on the afternoon of Sat 13th Sept.

St Barnabas’ Cathedral is a lovely building, designed by the famous Victorian architect Pugin and sitting near the top of a hill rising from the river Trent. From this vantage point I could look back South, in the direction of far-distant Portsmouth from whence I came and recall that I visited 2 Pilgrimage Shrines (Our Lady of Consolation and Our Lady of Willesden), 3 further Cathedrals (Chichester (CoE), St Georges - Southwark, Our Lady & St Thomas of Canterbury - Northampton), and several Churches both Anglican and Catholic. Among the Catholic Churches two stood out, St Saviour in Abbots Langley, birthplace of Nicholas Breakspear has a very striking design from outside (sadly closed at the time of my visit) while Our Lady of Victories, Market Harborough is very calm inside, with beautiful and most harmonious stained glass of any English church I can recall. The Old Church (C of E) in Chelsea was shut firmly, so I had to make do with paying my respects to the dedicatee of our Twyford church, at the very fine statue of him nearby. St Thomas More, guide me, help me find the right ways, on this journey and in life!

My route was mostly on quieter roads and lanes, with good use of the cycle-path by the Grand Union canal in some stretches. Pretty much every day included some sections of bridleway/rough tracks, which are enjoyable but can be technically challenging. The best cycling came near the end – Northampton to Market Harborough is entirely on the Brampton Valley trail and leads into small lanes between the villages and hamlets of rural Leicestershire and then Nottinghamshire which brought many beautiful views, funnily enough often located at the top of some rather steep hills!

I camped for 3 nights, crashed on the floor of my daughter’s flat in London, rented a room in a flat in Milton Keynes and 'champed' (camped in a C of E Church!) on other nights. In Northampton, some friendly people at the Cathedral put me in touch with a lovely parishioner Paul, who kindly hosted me for the night. Meeting him and his family, and experiencing their warm welcome towards a stranger, was a real highlight of the trip.

The way was blessed with fine weather, neither too hot nor too cold, and with a decent southerly wind pushing me and The Trout along most days. On the few occasions where rain appeared I managed to dodge it, or cope with the help of my voluminous cape. Thankfully, my first-aid kit and bike repair kit remained unopened. The Trout is not the best looking, nor the sportiest of bikes, but it carried me safely and comfortably over 515 Km from the South Coast to the Heart of England.

The blessing from Fr Kevin in Twyford that first day, which gave me strength of purpose had covered ‘Eoin and his companions’ . But I’d not met ‘his companions’ until right at the end, so they were mysterious characters. My last night on the road was “camping” in the Parish Hall at Keyworth Church just a hop and a skip from Nottingham city. There I finally met the walking Pilgrims, from St John’s Way. The shared experience of life on the road is a great connecting factor. The parish at Keyworth looked after us royally, with a fine meal on arrival and breakfast in the morning. After celebrating Mass, the Pilgrim group, their numbers boosted by about 20 ‘day Pilgrims’ set out on the final walk. I joined them for the first couple of miles, turning back after prayers in a small Anglican church, to retrieve The Trout and head for Nottingham.

The welcome at the end from Nottingham was warm and generous; the St John’s way group and the other 3 groups (from Leeds, Cardiff and Norwich) all arrived at the Cathedral and after various photo ops, tea and cake revived the spirits. Later in the afternoon, there was a Liturgy of Welcome and in the evening, a ceilidh (sort-of-Irish dancing!) with a supper and a chance to talk over experiences with the other pilgrims. I slept soundly that night, on the floor of one of the Cathedral meeting rooms! Next morning, a Solemn Mass, celebrating the Feast of the Veneration of the Cross, presided over by Bishop Patrick McKinney, who had walked part of the pilgrimage route.

The cycling was tough in places, England has a lot of hills, some of which are rather steep! While I ended some days feeling tired, I never failed to find safe rest and awoke refreshed each day. My spiritual life was not as ordered and multi-faceted as the walking pilgrims - I was very impressed to hear of their group prayers and expression of musical talents when I met them finally at Keyworth. But in my own way, I gave thanks often, both in churches and outside them. In the churches I was able to visit I left a ‘flier’ explaining a bit about the Pilgrimage of Hope and my part as a cycle-pilgrim. It’s a small way to spread the message, but maybe it can be like the mustard-seed from the Bible.

Pilgrim journeys to me are a microcosm of “our earthly pilgrimage” from the Liturgy; we start, go through the journey encountering people and events and reach our destination. Reflecting on this journey, I am filled with hope – yes I was apprehensive, even fearful at the start. But by taking the first step and accepting the challenges of such a journey, I received the practical graces needed - help, support and companionship along the way. The welcome and celebration at the journey’s end more than compensates for trials and tribulations along the way. This is a hopeful lesson to live by!

That such an ambitious event as ‘Pilgrimage of Hope 2025’ can be conceived and delivered so effectively gives me hope at a more general level –a living sign that our faith across the nation is still vibrant and can be expressed in such creative ways is an empowering thought. By participating as a cyclist to this venture, others may be inspired on similar paths.

Thanks be for the strength of body, mind and spirit to take on and complete this journey. Thanks be for the wonderful invention of the bicycle in general and the gift of the Trout in particular. Thanks be for the fair winds, smooth roads and the kindness of all who supported me.

Eoin Sharkey

Further reading:

1) Hilaire Belloc, The Path to Rome [1902]. I found this book, serendipitously in a corner of my parent’s house. It’s a short book written in a kind of stream-of-consciousness style, recounting how the author decided to walk to Rome from his birthplace, in eastern France. To me, Belloc may be the first ‘modern day Catholic pilgrim’, his book manages to be hilarious, terrifying, informative and spiritually insightful.

2) All Kinds of Catholics, Ep 68 : link – beautiful sound picture of the entire Pilgrimage of Hope 2025 project – just over 30 minutes long; the podcast host Theresa Alessandro through interviews before, during and after the pilgrimage gives an overview of the project with walkers from 4 cities creating a sign of the cross over England and Wales as they converge on Nottingham.

3) Photo album link . This is an album of photos recording the journey. Because of a quirk in the way Apple does shareable photo albums, they are not in strict date order, but if gives a sense of life on the road and records some memorable moments.

Feasting on the Holy Mountain

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 15:14:22 GMT

I’d been warned not to expect too much from the food on Mount Athos and, granted, things hadn’t got off to a great start on the culinary front. I found myself, after a long journey involving two buses and two boats, at the Monastery of St Paul’s. Like most of the twenty Orthodox monasteries on Athos it’s in a spectacular location, perched in a little valley 150 metres above the rugged coast-line and with a sheer cliff-face rising up behind it.

The twelve newly-arrived guests (eleven Greeks and me) had come through the impressive, porticoed main gate, entered a tranquil inner courtyard and been directed up a long flight of wooden stairs to the guest wing. French doors opened at the far end of a formal welcome room onto a balcony and to one of the most spectacular views I’ll ever see, across the sea and all the way to mountains in the distance. I would spend a lot of time sitting on that balcony and gazing at that view. I would also be spending a lot of time in the church because (and I’d been warned about this as well) the Orthodox services are long.

I was in place at the back of the church at 4.45 p.m. when vespers was due to begin but not much appeared to be happening. There were a couple of monks standing in the choir stalls and pilgrims were arriving in dribs and drabs and were going round kissing icons and writing prayer requests and lighting candles. After a little while, a monk strode around the outside of the church beating on a long plank with a wooden mallet. This, I was excited to see, was the striking of the semantron, and the traditional call to prayer on Athos. Sure enough, one of the now about half a dozen monks starting reciting something but still the wandering continued, and it sort of went on throughout the service, which took about an hour and twenty minutes. At one point, a monk came past with a thurible spreading incense, and there was some chanting. It was plaintiff but tuneful with one monk singing the main line and others providing a harmony.

At the end of the service everyone processed into a large, high-ceilinged refectory, where I counted eighteen monks and thirty-seven guests. Thirty-six of those guests were seated on tables on one side of the refectory, with me (as the sole Catholic) on my own on the other. I was pleasantly surprised when what I assumed was a starter was relatively substantial, if not particularly tasty. It was a sort of rice pudding that was only slightly warm. And that was accompanied by bread that wasn’t exactly stale but wasn’t completely fresh either, a dish of olives which were nice, and a cucumber. I ate as much as I could and began to fantasise about what the main course might be. And then the awful realisation dawned on me, as we all stood up for a final blessing from the head monk, that there was no more to come.

I have to confess that I was rather disappointed the next morning to see that breakfast at half past six was much the same as dinner had been, and it was coming on the back of a marathon night liturgy which had begun at 2.45 a.m. I sat on my own again in front a metal bowl which, this time, contained a kind of chick pea mush, and again was barley lukewarm. And there was the usual dry bread, dish of olives, and jug of water. ‘No Greek coffee?’ I mused. ‘No cappuccino, café con leche, hot chocolate or frappé? No butter, no jam?’ How, I wondered, did these guys survive on this? Three and a half hours in the church and then all they get is dry bread! What on earth did they have when it got to Lent? And how could they possibly live without ever seeing women? This final musing should be explained by the thousand-year-old Avaton, a law which prohibits women from setting foot on Athos. Non-compliance is punishable by up to twelve months in prison!

As I was waiting for the ferry to take me back to the main Athonite port of Dafni and then onto the next monastery (guests are allowed to stay just one night at each monastery) I got chatting to Pavlos, a young Greek man. He looked surprised when I asked him whether a monastery would give me food if I got there too late for lunch. He explained that the monks had just two meals a day, breakfast and dinner. “So, no women and no lunch!” I remarked to him, rather ruefully.

My arrival at Iveron, a fortress-like building on the other side of the narrow peninsula was on the eve of the birth of Theotokos, the Mother of God. With the Holy Mountain being dedicated to Mary, this is a major feast for the monks. It would mean that the night service would be even longer than usual, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. I was starting to relax into the Orthodox liturgy, unchanged in over a thousand years, and to let it wash gently over me. There was the usual kissing of icons and repeated signs of the cross as people entered the church. A monk would read in quick-fire ancient Greek from the holy scripture. Then the chanting would start: one or more monks singing the main melody line; others providing a bass harmony which rose and fell in fourths. It was hauntingly beautiful. The action would move around the church, with different bits of the liturgy punctuated by the swinging of the thurifer. At one point, there was the lighting of candles on an enormous candelabra.

I made it to 10 o’clock, had some sleep in my dormitory and returned at midnight for another brief stint. The morning prayer began at 6.30 a.m. and I assumed it would be a short one after the nocturnal marathon. It wasn’t! We finally emerged from the church at 9 o’clock. We were rewarded with sweetbread soaked in wine, on account of the feast day, then the massed ranks of monks and guests were crossing the large cobblestoned courtyard and entering a cavernous dining room. I was allowed to join the other guests on the long wooden tables for what was the Mount Athos equivalent of a medieval banquet. There was the usual dish of rice pudding, although this one had been cooked in lemon and seasoned with dill. A second dish contained some kind of fish with a green vegetable I didn’t recognise. And there was a glass of red wine. Also a sweet wrapped up in silver foil that was like an exotic kind of chocolate roll. It was all a feast for the taste buds, just as the colourful frescoes on the walls were a feast for the eyes. On the way out, a young novice monk saw me eyeing up some leftover sweets and gave me two to take away and smiled at me. I was touched.

Day 3 took me to the smaller (and stricter!) monastery of Philopheou. It was strict in the sense that, as well as being told that I couldn’t go into the church during the service but could sit in the outside porch, I was asked to eat dinner after everyone else had finished. It didn’t bother me, especially when I sat down with a Polish father and son to see that we had a decent-looking meal in front of us. The regulation metal tin contained two round things that I took to be meat cutlets and they were served with a nice-looking sauce and mashed potato. Never have I been happier to see meat and potato. I’d thought the monks didn’t eat any meat, and I heard later from another guest that what we’d eaten was in fact tuna. There was a dish of broccoli besides. When we’d nearly finished, one monk realised he’d forgotten to give wine to the Catholic infidels so that was duly delivered to us. It was hard to describe what kind of wine it was. It wasn’t red, but it wasn’t really white either. Monk wine? As I pondered that, another guy passed by with the leftover dishes from the main sitting and gave me an untouched tin of the tuna and mash. I polished that off as well and for the first time in three days on Mount Athos my tummy was nicely full.

I’d been struck at Philopheou by how a monk cleaning the toilets was continually reciting prayers as he worked. It was that ‘prayer without ceasing’ that St Paul writes about. The Orthodox clearly took that very seriously. And in my conversations with Orthodox pilgrims, there was frequent reference to the holiness of various monks. The views from that monastery were also stunning: over the Aegean Sea and all the way to the island of Thasos in the distance. And with it being on the east of the peninsula there was a sunrise to die for the following morning. I probably should have been in the church (or rather at the back of it) when it was happening but there was no way I was going to miss that spectacle. Philopheou was also, in spite of its strictness in some areas, the place where I got the full-Monty monastic welcome. At St Paul’s and Iveron, guests were given on arrival a glass of cool water and a loukoumi, Greek-style Turkish delight. At Philopheou, the water and loukoumi were supplemented by a glass of tsipouri, the traditional 45 proof liquor. Then, the icing on the cake, a cup of strong, syrupy Greek coffee was provided.

Day 4 brought me, via a hot and bumpy hour-long trip in an over-crowded minibus to the fortress-like Great Lavra, the oldest and most influential monastery on Athos. The entry of the new guests was delayed as the guestmaster berated a group of eight Moldovans for having the wrong diamonitirion (the official permit for entry onto the peninsula). Three Latvians were also told off for something or other but eventually we were allowed through and were sitting at benches on a balcony eating loukoumi and sipping from glasses of cool water. There was a collective whoop of delight from the Moldovans and the Latvians when a monk appeared with a tray filled with glasses of tsipouri. I was pretty happy too. Also when I saw what was for dinner.

Following vespers, everyone crossed the courtyard to the refectory, which was an impressive high-ceilinged building in the shape of a cross. The walls, like the church, were completely filled with frescoes and the dining-tables were like nothing I’d ever seen before. They were a series of semi-circular wooden benches around large, marble tables. And with the solid, stone floor it produced a rustic yet intimate effect. Those marble tables were laden with what I could see straight away was a decent meal. In the metal tins was a stew of potatoes, greens and beans and it was really tasty. There was a side dish containing a salad of beetroot and green leaves, plus nice bread and a generous carafe of wine per table of eight. There were dishes with extra potatoes, and for dessert, an enormous platter of red grapes. As had been the case the day before at Philopheou, I felt nicely full.

I missed breakfast because the minibus taking people back up the peninsula was leaving at 6.45 a.m. It meant, however, that I was able to gaze out at the reddening of the sky over the sea and I even got to behold the sun appear on the horizon. That was a special moment. I had the pleasure that day of a three-hour hike through the forest to Vatopedi, another of the ‘Big three’ monasteries on Athos, together with Lavra and Iveron. I also had the pleasure of yet another very good meal. There were about eighty of us in the Vatopedi guest refectory arranged on wooden tables of ten. There was a tasty spaghetti dish, with a bit of fish to add to it, so too some parmesan cheese. Slices of nice sourdough bread were in a basket. Plus there was a flask of eminently drinkable white wine, and a bottle of a delicious red fruit juice. For dessert there were two types of melon: galia and honeydew. The galia melon was mouth-wateringly good. I managed to get seconds of the spaghetti and two pieces of melon before time was called on proceedings. We had, as usual, eaten in silence, whilst listening to a monk reading.

The night liturgy at Vatopedi began at 4 o’clock but I had a lie-in until 6. There seemed to be some kind of distribution of communion at 7 o’clock, after which everyone began processing out of the church. “Great!” I thought, “time for breakfast.” But the massed hordes of men weren’t going towards the refectory. They went instead to a smaller church and crammed themselves in there and set about a further kissing of icons. It was standing room only, so I stayed outside with a few other stragglers. Whatever they were doing in there, it went on and on and on. Eventually, at 8.30 a.m., everyone was trooping across the vast courtyard and up the stairs and into the refectory (actually called Trapeza, meaning table in Greek), and I was amazed to see that it was yet another decent-looking meal. There was a big dish of stuffed aubergine, plus the obligatory dish of olives. There was the divine red juice from the night before. There were grapes that looked like they’d just been picked from the vines (they probably had). There was even the white wine from the night before. I didn’t indulge, although several of the guys did.

I was well fuelled for the journey, via two minibuses and a ferry, to my sixth and final monastery, Gregoriou. On the way, I had a lovely encounter with a man called Dmitry. He was ex-Russian ‘special forces’ and seemed keen to talk to me. I was touched when he bought me a coffee in Karyes, the small town in the centre of Athos from where minibuses to the various monasteries are arriving and departing.

Gregoriou is on the west side of the peninsula and is another of the monasteries that by some architectural miracle have been built onto the mountainside just above the bay. It’s an utterly idyllic spot. Sharp rocks emerge from a sea which is pure blue in colour and changes to a lovely turquoise by the shore. And on the far side of the bay there is the outline of more land. As I walked off the boat and into the guest house at the water’s edge I felt like I’d wandered onto a Mamma Mia filmset! Reaching the monastery proper involved a hike up a steep lane with cliff-face on one side and breathtaking views of the sea on the other. There was a gateway at the top that led into an inner courtyard that was like something sent from paradise, with exotic plants and trees and overhanging vines. Beyond that was the onion-domed church. And across a smaller courtyard was one of the most spectacular refectories I’ll ever dine in. There were sea views in two directions and the interior walls were covered with frescoes depicting a wide array of saints.

We were arranged on wooden tables of eight for dinner and I made sure I was on the side of my table to get sea view. I counted about forty guests in addition to about twenty monks, plus several novices. It struck me that most of those forty guests would be moving on the next day and a whole load of new guests would arrive and be welcomed by the community. The age-old monastic ministry of hospitality was alive and well in this and in all the monasteries on Athos. And it was yet another decent meal. In the standard-issue metal bowl there was an attractive looking dish of thin noodles mixed with a tomato sauce. It was very tasty. There was a communal dish of prunes and each person got their own apple and large tomato. And that tomato truly tasted like a tomato. There was the usual basket of bread and I decided on that last day to go Greek. I dripped some olive oil on each slice and added a sprinkling of salt. Very nice!

Breakfast the following morning was even better. There was a whole grilled fish on each plate, together with something like couscous, also a bowl of broccoli. Pavlos who I’d spoken to at the start of my visit had said to me that he hoped I’d get such a fish in one of the monasteries. He had told me I’d be able to taste the ‘fishness’ of the fish, and he was right. It also brought to mind for me the scene in the gospel of John where Jesus, post-resurrection, grills fish on the beach for his hitherto sceptical disciples.

One final feast of a meal was when I was back in Thessaloniki that evening. I’d been introduced to a man called Stelios by a mutual friend, and his wife, Ionna had cooked a delicious Greek meal. Stelios is a regular visitor to Athos so we had ple nty of stories to share about the Holy Mountain. As I made to leave the home of that lovely family, Stelios pointed out to me that the root of the Greek word for thank you, efcharistó , is the sa me as that for Eucharist. Each and every morning, as they’ve been doing faithfully for over a thousand years on Mount Athos, and as happens in monasteries the world over, there is a celebration of Eucharist, a thanksgiving. The Eucharist is, of course, a meal; a feast of a meal.

How thankful I was to have been able to share in that daily feast on Mount Athos.

Eddie Gilmore

Eddie Gilmore is a writer and Hearts in Search of God collaborator. More about his books can be found here .

Walking the St Wulstan Way

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 10:46:09 GMT

St Wulstan's Way Video

The St Wulstan's Way was walked for the first time in May 2025. Peter Chisholm, one of the perpetual pilgrims who walked the full distance, has created this wonderful video of the Pilgrimage.

Pilgrims joined Fr Gerry Walsh tracing St Wulstan’s life and legacy, from Worcester Cathedral to Clifton Cathedral as part of the Catholic Church’s Year of Jubilee, “Pilgrims of Hope” celebrations. Participants explored their faith while journeying through stunning landscapes and historic locations.

St Wulstan (c. 1008 – 1095) was an English Benedictine monk who served as Bishop of Worcester from 1062 to 1095. In 1034 Wulstan was serving as a priest at St Mary's Church in Hawkesbury, Gloucestershire. Whilst at his devotions he was distracted by the smell of a goose cooking nearby. Mortified, he became a vegetarian. Wulstan was consecrated Bishop of Worcester in 1062. He was a strong opponent of the slave trade with Ireland, and together with Lanfranc, was mainly responsible for ending the trade from Bristol. After the Norman Conquest Wulstan was the only English-born bishop to retain his diocese for any significant time. He founded the Great Malvern Priory, and undertook much large-scale rebuilding work, including Worcester Cathedral, Hereford Cathedral, Tewkesbury Abbey. He died 20 January 1095 whilst washing the feet of parishioners as was his custom and was canonized on 14 May 1203. He is the patron saint of peasants and vegetarians. In 2023, a pastoral area of the Catholic Diocese of Clifton was named in his honour.

Each day of the pilgrimage was marked by moments of reflection, community, and faith, as they walked together through the countryside, across towns and parishes, carrying prayers and hope with every step.

Day 1: From Worcester Cathedral to Malvern Priory

The first day saw intrepid perpetual pilgrims Fr Gerry, Bev, Ufuoma, Phil and Peter joined by day pilgrims Nicky, Marisa and Juliana. We started out with daily prayer at St George’s church, Worcester. A blessing by Fr Gary to protect us. Then a short walk to Worcester cathedral visiting the crypt, tomb of King John and the stained glass windows of St Oswald and St Wulstan. Then off across country in the direction of the Malvern Hills. We called by notable sights of Stanbrook Abbey and Great Malvern Priory before arriving at St Wulstan’s church in Little Malvern. There we had evening Mass concelebrated by Fr Gary, Fr Gerry and parish priest Fr Tom. Overall we walked 14.5 miles and overnighted at Malvern Hills Hotel.

Day 2: From St Wulstan’s Catholic Church, Malvern to Our Lady of Lourdes, Newent

We set off a little late from the hotel and British Camp because the chef was late to work! Said morning prayers in pub car park and off straight up the southern part of the Malvern Hills. Fr Gerry set a fierce pace all day. Then through the woods of Eastnor Park. Visited the Anglican Church of St Mary at Bromsberrow where we said a decade of the Rosary and prayed for Pope Leo’s and Bishop Bosco’s intentions. Then cross country up and down hills all day until we reached the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire canal. We arrived at Our Lady of Lourdes dead on 4pm as planned. Met by the parishioners who fed us us sandwiches, cake and tea. Mass at 6pm with Fr Gary, Fr Gerry and parish priest Fr Martin concelebrating. Staying overnight with host parishioner. A much harder day with the number of hills. 13.5 miles.

Day 3: From Our Lady of Lourdes, Newent to St Peter’s, Gloucester

The day started off with breakfast at Our Lady of Lourdes kindly prepared by parishioner, Mary. We were joined today by four day pilgrims: Dorota, Tony, Kat and Ross. Morning prayers, then off on our way in the direction of Gloucester. Mostly across country encountering numerous obstacles of cows and horses, and electric fence barriers. So the route ended up about a mile longer and five decades of the Rosary. Our first main stop was at the Holy Trinity church at Tibberton for lunch then following the Three Choirs Way and the Wysis Way past Highnam to call by the lost church of Lassington, St Oswald. We said goodbye to Dorota, Kat and Ross at Over Farm in sight of Gloucester cathedral, then followed the river to the city. Just before St Peter’s Gloucester cathedral we passed by the memorial to Bishop John Hooper, an Anglican martyr of Queen Mary I. Then on to our final stop at St Peter’s church in time for Vigil Mass. Overnight with St Peter’s parishioners. Today’s distance was 15 miles.

Day 4: From St Peter’s, Gloucester to St Joseph’s, Stonehouse

We started at St Peter’s 9am Mass. At the end of Mass, Mgr. Liam brought all the primary school children and the pilgrims to the front of the church. Mgr. Liam and the children held out their hands and gave the pilgrims a Blessing. Fr Gerry was on Mass duty so he joined us at Painswick after having done the first part of the walk earlier in the morning. We were joined by Tony again and another day pilgrim Daniel. Then we marched off to Painswick calling by St Augustine’s at Matson. A long and difficult climb to the Painswick Beacon across fields and woods. We finally reached the beacon and then descended to the RC church of Our Lady and St Thérèse in Painswick. We were greeted by Fr Gary and the parishioners and treated to a wonderful lunch! A short prayer and blessing by Fr Gary and then we were joined by more pilgrims: Martin, Savannah, Matthew, Mike, Phil and Caroline on the way to Stonehouse. We exited Painswick via St Mary’s church and climbed up into the Cotswold hills before descending to Stonehouse. At arrival at St Joseph’s we are ‘clapped in’ by Fr Gary and the parishioners, then we are treated to a delicious meal prepared by them. Holy Hour and Benediction before departing with our host parishioners. A 14 mile day.

Day 5: From St Joseph’s, Stonehouse to St Dominic’s, Dursley

The day commenced with Morning Prayers at St Joseph’s Stonehouse. We were joined by day pilgrims Deacon Domenic, Richard and Matt. Then it was off along the Stroudwater canal to King’s Stanley where we came to the first climbs of the day. Mostly following the Cotswold Way towards Dursley. The journey took us through mostly woodland until we reached the open peak of Coaley Peak with its amazing views to the west. We walked past the ancient burial ground of Nympsfield Longbarrow. We departed from our route to visit the Marian Retreat Centre at Nympsfield where we said the Rosary followed by lunch. We were joined by another pilgrim, Mary, before visiting St Joseph’s RC church. Some prayers to St Joseph and back to the route. Once back on the trail, the track became quite unpredictable with tree roots and stones ready to trip the unwary. It caught out Richard who took a fall. Fortunately no major injuries. As we arrived at the formidable Cam Peak which featured a steep up and down, discretion overcame valour and we took the circular route to Dursley. Entering the town we passed St James’s parish church and the market house featuring a statue of Queen Victoria. Then arrival at St Dominic’s RC church for Divine Mercy prayers followed by tea and biscuits in the parish hall. Mass for the Memorial of St Philip Neri at 6pm was concelebrated by parish priest Fr Philip, Fr Gary and Fr Gerry. Overnight in private accommodation. The trek was just over 11 miles.

Day 6: From St Dominic’s, Dursley to Christ the King, Thornbury

A tough day for us pilgrims, fighting wind and rain for most of the day with plenty of climbing hills. We started out after Lauds on the Feast of St Augustine at St Dominic, Dursley and from the town it was straight up hill on the Cotswold Way. Then Heartbreak Hill with a warning at the bottom of 1 in 7 incline. Eventually we arrived at Holy Cross church at Wotton-under-Edge where we were greeted by parishioners who fed us tea and biscuits. After a few prayers and rest we were off again over hills and dales in the direction of Hawkesbury. The magnificent church of St Mary the Virgin came into view as we descended the hill. Inside St Mary’s was beautiful and well worth a visit. St Wulstan served as priest here after his ordination and it was where he had his ‘roast goose’ distraction during Mass. A stained glass window commemorates his life. Leaving Hawkesbury it was a long hard slog towards our final destination of St Paul’s RC church at Yate passing through Chipping Sodbury and by the Catholic Church of St Lawrence. At our destination of St Paul’s we were collected by Deacon Lawrence of Christ the King, Thornbury. Mass for the Feast of St Augustine at Christ the King was concelebrated by parish priest Fr Frank and Fr Gerry assisted by Deacons Lawrence and Kingsley. After Mass we had fish and chips in the presbytery before departing for private accommodation. Overall 15.5 miles but it felt like 20 miles. Everyone was looking forward to our last day and to meeting up with our pastoral area friends at our cathedral next day.

Day 7: From St Paul’s, Yate to Clifton Cathedral, Saints Peter and Paul

An early start today at 7.30am as it was to be a long walk to Clifton cathedral. Lauds outside St Paul’s, Yate and then off through Yate in the direction of Bristol. A mix of busy road and cross country paths got us past the M4 and M32 to the outskirts of Bristol. Then it was a case of weaving through out of town shopping and housing estates until we reached Westbury-on-Trym which is a beautiful town on the edge of Bristol. Phil being a resident was able to explain some of the history behind the houses and buildings. We visited Holy Trinity Parish Church (previously dedicated to SS Peter & Paul) and said a decade of the Rosary. A short lunch outside the church and then off up hill to the Downs before the long descent into Bristol. We passed by the Catholic Church of St Mary on the Quay before we arrived at Bristol cathedral. We were met by Rev’d Mel Takáč, Minor Canon for Worship and Liturgy, who explained some the interesting parts of the cathedral especially the anti-slavery exhibition currently on display. We just had enough time left to walk the last mile of our pilgrimage uphill to Clifton cathedral where the lovely ladies of the cathedral had made tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits for us and the visiting parishioners from around the St Wulstan’s Pastoral Area. 16.5 miles for our final day. A tour of eight stations for a Pilgrimage of Hope was available to all the visitors. Before Mass Fr Gerry gave a talk on St Wulstan. The conclusion to the Pastoral Area Pilgrimage was Mass to celebrate the Vigil of the Ascension of the Lord with Fr Gerry presiding and Fr Gary, Fr Stephen and Fr Benedict concelebrating assisted by Deacons Domenic and Bogden.

The Perpetual Pilgrims would like to thank everyone who made this pilgrimage possible. The welcome, support and prayers by everyone who helped has brought us much closer together as a Pastoral Area and as the Church of God. Thank you and God Bless you all.

Peter Chisholm

Many more pictures from the Pilgrimage can be found here: https://saintwulstan.org.uk/2025/05/pilgrims-progress-the-saint-wulstan-southern-way-pilgrimage/

Praise be You, through Sister Water

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 10:49:22 GMT

Unexpected encounters are one of the great blessings of walking pilgrimage. On the first day of the St Matthew’s Way between Cardiff and Newport, on a lonely section of the Welsh Coast Path, we spotted another walker on the shoreline, heavily laden with two large rucksacks.

We caught up with this mysterious walker. She was a young woman called Emmeline, who told us that she was on a pilgrimage as well. Hers started in Cornwall and was planned to end in South Wales, but she had decided to keep walking back to England and on along the Thames Path to London. She was walking alone and camping along the way.

She explained that she is the founder and director of the Voices of Water Foundation ( VoW ), which believes that the ‘root’ to some of the many environmental and systemic issues harming rivers, is the fact rivers are treated as 'objects' under current UK environmental law. They believe this allows for exploitation and harm by causing a subconscious separation that disconnects us from nature. The change they propose is to allow rivers to be recognised as legal persons. This would shift a River from being an ‘object’ under law, to being recognized as an entity with legal standing, one with intrinsic value and rights that could be enforced and protected. VoW argue that this would change and deepen relationships between humans and nature, away from one of domination, to one of balance.

We explained our pilgrimage to her; exchanged good wishes and set off again.

I was intrigued by the fact that Emmeline talked about her journey as a 'pilgrimage'. She could have 'marched' or 'trekked' for water rights, but she had chosen to call her journey a 'pilgrimage'. The VoW website reveals that:

' A deeper message behind the pilgrimage, and another core focus on VoW, is one of reconnection with the waters we all come from. This our ancient ancestors knew, honouring water bodies as entities, flowing beings, reflected in stories, beliefs, and sacred traditions.'

We were walking on the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on 1st September. In his letter for the Day Pope Leo wrote:

‘Nature itself is reduced at times to a bargaining chip, a commodity to be bartered for economic or political gain. As a result, God’s creation turns into a battleground for the control of vital resources. We see this in agricultural areas and forests peppered with landmines, “scorched earth” policies, conflicts over water sources, and the unequal distribution of raw materials, which penalizes the poorer nations and undermines social stability itself.’

2025 is the 10th Anniversary of Laudato Si’ , Pope Francis’ encyclical on care for our common home. The title comes from St Francis’ Canticle Laudato si’, mi’ Signore – Praise be to you, my Lord in which St Francis reminds us that the Earth, our common home, is like a mother who sustains us. He calls water our ‘Sister’.

The Canticle of the Sun

Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,

Yours are the praises, the glory, the honour, and all blessings.

To You alone, Most High, do they belong,

and no man is worthy to mention Your name.

Praised be You, my Lord, with all your creatures;

especially Brother Sun, who is the day, and through whom You give us light.

And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour,

and bears a likeness to You, Most High One.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars;

in heaven You formed them clear and precious and beautiful.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Wind,

and through the air, cloudy and serene,

and every kind of weather through which You give sustenance to Your creatures.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water,

which is very useful and humble and precious and chaste.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Fire,

through whom You light the night;

and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Mother Earth,

who sustains us and governs us and who produces

varied fruits with coloured flowers and herbs.

Praised be You, my Lord,

through those who give pardon for Your love,

and bear infirmity and tribulation.

Blessed are those who endure in peace

for by You, Most High, they shall be crowned.

Praised be You, my Lord,

through our Sister Bodily Death,

from whom no living man can escape.

Woe to those who die in mortal sin.

Blessed are those whom death will find in Your most holy will,

for the second death shall do them no harm.

Praise and bless my Lord,

and give Him thanks,

and serve Him with great humility.

Amen.

Eight hundred years ago St Francis did poetically what Voices of Water aim for legally: he prayed that creation be regarded personally.

Later in his letter for the World Day of Creation Pope Leo wrote:

‘In a world where the most vulnerable of our brothers and sisters are the first to suffer the devastating effects of climate change, deforestation and pollution, care for creation becomes an expression of our faith and humanity.

Now is the time to follow words with deeds.’

Emmeline is certainly following her words with deeds through her epic pilgrimage!

If you would like to know more watch Emmeline’s recent reel on Instagram here .

If you want to support the VoW petition you can do so here .

Bishop Patrick McKinney welcomes pilgrims to Nottingham

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 15:43:11 GMT

As pilgrims walking the four ways of the Pilgrimage of Hope entered the Diocese of Nottingham local people geared up to give the walkers a warm welcome to Nottingham and to help them end their journeys with a weekend of reflection, celebration and thanksgiving.

The Right Reverend Patrick McKinney, Bishop of Nottingham, said:

“It’s a privilege for me to be able welcome the ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ to the Diocese, and an honour that the city and the Cathedral of Nottingham has been chosen as their destination. Across the centuries people of many faiths and cultures have found pilgrimage to be a powerful way to encounter the divine and find hope for themselves and others. No-one can undertake the kind of journey these pilgrims are taking and not be changed. I wish them safe travels and a memorable welcome in Nottingham. In a world where hope can seem fragile, I pray that they will return home with deepened faith in God and renewed hope for humanity.”

Reflection from Bishop Patrick

At the end of the Pilgrimage, on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Bishop Patrick recorded an interview with Marcin Mazur from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England & Wales. His reflection on joining the Pilgrimage can be found below.

Photos © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk

'Hope, Joy, Laughter and Fellowship'

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 08:42:42 GMT

This reflection on the St Matthew's Way of the Pilgrimage of Hope was given by Catherine Manghan, a perpetual pilgrim, at the Cathedral of St Barnabas on 13th September 2025. A video of all four reflections can be found here .

We walked 210 miles over 17 days with 2 rest days from Cardiff to Nottingham. We crossed two countries, nine counties and visited 18 parishes, staying in 16 of them. It has felt as if there was a string of fire that was just a spark when we started and built slowly but surely, inflaming each parish, and each parish fuelling us and speeding us on our way. Each connection filled us with increasing hope, joy, laughter and fellowship. Often we would arrive to anxious faces of people who had worked hard to ensure a warm reception for us and had been waiting for us to arrive for a while! But as we left after wonderful hospitality, every face was glowing with love and laughter. Each day was entire unto itself with a structure, enabling day pilgrims, hopefully to feel a sense of accomplishment and belonging for the time they were with us. Every day was the same and yet every day was completely different. The pilgrims for that day brought with them a dynamic and a new community.

We shared and exchanged roles every day. The structure of the day began with a briefing from the leader, followed by a warm up and then prayer before we set off. The back marker checking route and pace and herding in stragglers was nearly as vital as the leader navigating, and the comms person took videos and pictures which were turned into an Instagram videos each night. Faith set up this practice for us and the abject panic, when she had to leave halfway through, soon morphed into a sense of accomplishment as she tutored us through using “Youcut” to create. Joe wrote blogs for the Birmingham archdiocese along the way which sensitively captured the mood and essence of our experience, when the rest of us were too present to reflect at all. I loved the fellowship we slid into as a team, enjoying each other’s company but moving outwards to welcome in day pilgrims when they arrived each day. It needed very little direction as we all seemed to be guided by the same spirits of compassion, faith, prayer and community.

The gift of our country unfurled as we walked. The big skies and coastal walk of the Severn estuary were with us for the first two days. We were sent on our way with a Mass and blessing at the Cathedral in Cardiff, joined by the Catenians from Newport and welcomed by Deacon Richard and Roz and the ladies of the parish in Caldicott and enjoyed our first night all together in the parish hall. The luxury of taking over the Presbytery in Chepstow, as Fr James was in Ghana came next, and another beautiful Mass. Offa’s Dyke brought the hilliest day of the trip and a biblical downpour of rain, much singing and laughing, followed by steaming fields and glittering leaves. We walked down to the ancient Marches city of Monmouth in the sunshine again to a welcoming Mass, and were whisked off to steaming showers and cake and tea in a rambling country house where we all stayed together, filling Mary and Charles’ house again with the laughter and chat of a large, happy family. Mary joined us winding our way up and down the hills of the Wye valley, glimpsing Tintern Abbey, stopping for coffee in Symond’s Yat.

On through the mysterious Forest of Dean to overwhelming hospitality again in Ross on Wye with Therese and David and another Mass from Fr Nick to send us on our way the next morning. Herefordshire orchards, laden and bursting with fruit followed accompanied among others, by Srs Lilly and Agneska from the Poor Clares at Much Birch. Used to 20 mile marches for exercise, our gentle pace and constant stops for drinks, food and chat, met with amused derision from Sr Agneska, a tall and capable Kiwi, the future of her order in the UK, no doubt. A day of rest and fellowship in Ledbury, was much needed after 6 days of walking. Jordan had mobilised Churches Together to house us and bring us together for breakfast with Methodist minister Phil and his wife Caroline, and a supper in the hall with forty people. We enjoyed exploring Ledbury, swimming in the pool to ease our muscles and Dave managed to recruit further interest for the dinner that night by praying the rosary in the sauna. Jim also bore great witness to joy, service and availability by pulling out his pennywhistle to busk whenever a moment arose.

The Malvern hills beckoned, and our climb rewarded by a clear view of where we had come from and the journey ahead and, of course, ice cream at British Camp. It was great fun to meet the vibrant community at Malvern and hear about excellent parish wide mission and development from Simon and Alice, antique clockmakers and hosts extraordinaire. We spent a noisy night on the floor of the community hall at Worcester, which is in the centre of the city but we befriended Wetherspoons and relived student days when we had to climb back in to the compound after dark. I had a chance to share our story with a wonderfully kind parishioner who had picked up my hat and umbrella, left in a churchyard near Lydbury and brought it back with her to her home in Worcester. I very much enjoyed homemade elderflower cordial and sharing our experiences of faith communities.

Stopping at the brilliantly mosaiced Church of the Sacred Heart and St Catherine of Alexandria in Droitwich Spa which iscovered in breathtaking mosaics and awaiting UNESCO Heritage Site status, we were shown round by an erudite Knight of Malta. The following day, our grand traverse of Birmingham canals began, with us popping up for a guided tour around the Birmingham Oratory and St John Henry Newman relics, and we venerated St Chad’s relics at the Cathedral, brought forth by Fr Chris who gave us a wonderful blessing. Equally blessed by the sunny hosts of the Beten charity Coffee Shop and cinnamon buns to die for. Continuing along canals under Spaghetti junction, which was peaceful, with clear running water of hidden rivers merging with the canals, out into middle England, and on to Harbourne. At Sutton Coldfield we were welcomed by the Anglican vicar and her team at The Holy Trinity Church and hall. Wetherspoons and fantastic ice cream again resulted in a better sleep than expected. Continuing on to Lichfield to the Holy Cross Catholic Church, we were all taken in by Lil and Mark and their son Michael for 2 days here and treated like family. We had lovely chats over meals, and enjoyed Mass in the morning, then took in Lichfield Cathedral and were interviewed by Theresa Alessandro for the podcast “All Kinds of Catholics”. Then to Burton on Trent, where Fr Matthew gave us tea and transferred us and bags, and the following day Long Eaton along the canals, enjoying a much overlooked treasure of bird life and weeping willow. Hedgerows were bowed down by a year of plenty, sloe and hawthorn, damson, apple and bramble, hazel, and chestnut. We grazed as we went, grateful for fresh, juicy, free food, to offset salty nuts and energy bars. Deacon Chris and his lovely wife made dinner for us and blessed us on our final leg to Nottingham. This was a short and joyful entry into the promised land with many day pilgrims, including Anne, a professor of Pilgrimage from Oxford who had accompanied us most of the way.

We were blessed with wonderful weather for the most part. One phrase from scripture which kept coming into my mind “pressed down, shaken together, running over”. We felt that we were being blessed every day with the people that we met. We were meeting God in the people we met. We were meeting God in creation and we were meeting God in the silence. It was suggested to me to talk about the best time, the funniest time and the holiest time. For us the holiest time every day was the after lunch period of silence. Sometimes we would pray with the senses, sometimes we would share prayer intentions and we carried all the intentions of the people we had met with us.

We had a wonderful time. Everywhere we went was full of joy and full of inclusivity, everyone was welcome and we were all brothers and sisters. Every moment was a best time. We laughed a lot about absolutely nothing, all the time. A limerick to thank Phil McCarthy because it was his inspiration which brought us here. He organised the whole thing. He keeps very quiet when he is with you, but behind that unassuming visage, is a powerhouse of organisation and attention to detail. He left no stone unturned to make sure the pilgrimage was safe, inclusive and well communicated, so thank you Phil.

There was a young pilgrim of Hope,

Who was blessed, for his pains, by the Pope.

He crossed England and Wales,

To prove that love never fails,

When compassion and courage elope.

Catherine Manghan

Post icon photo © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk

More about the St Matthew's Way route can be found below

'Laudato Si O Mi Signore'

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 11:39:35 GMT

This reflection on the St John's Way of the Pilgrimage of Hope was given by Anita Tozzi, a perpetual pilgrim, at the Cathedral of St Barnabas on 13th September 2025. A video of all four reflections can be found here .

A Reflection on a Season of Creation

Sunrise at St George’s Cathedral in Southwark, and after Mass we venerate the relic of St George before setting off on our pilgrimage to Nottingham.

As we pass through London, we stop at Tyburn Convent and then the Willesden Shrine where we are hosted by the lovely ladies of Harlesden.

Hedgerows bursting with luscious fruits as we pass on from Willesden on the canal. Canal walks with beautiful barges drifting by with subtle messages. One is called ‘Finally Here’. More wonderful hospitality at St Gregory’s, Ruislip.

As we reach Rickmansworth, we experience the sheer joy of a hot shower and a camp bed. Branching out into Bedfordshire, the morning prayer is accompanied by ‘Morning Has Broken’. Blue skies beam down on us once again as we are accompanied by flying kites on our way into Leighton Buzzard.

The canal becomes wider as we pass through the cathedral of trees reaching Newport Pagnell. Fields of golden sunflowers as we reach Northampton, and then further north fields of grain and wheat as we stretch into Rutland’s rolling countryside.

Greeted by cows, sheep and horses, we are drenched as we slide through soggy fields. God’s creation is everywhere, even in the muck-spreading!

We are rewarded with a stay at the Shepherds’ Huts in Belton in Rutland. God provides a refuge for all at the end of a long day.

Then onto Melton Mowbray and we are hosted by parishioners from St Francis’ Convent – the chapel windows display 800 years of the Canticle of Creation – Brother Sun and Sister Moon.

We pass on through the village of Willoughby on the Wold and into Keyworth where we are again treated to more kind hospitality from parishioners. And then our final leg into Nottingham, accompanied by Bishop Patrick.

God’s creation is evident in the beautiful places we’ve travelled through, the kindness of strangers and the warm welcome we’ve received everywhere.

Laudato Si: Praised be to God for a wonderful pilgrimage and for all the beautiful people we’ve met on the way. Friends for life and memories that I will cherish for ever. Laudato Si O Mi Signore.

Anita Tozzi

Photos © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk

More about the St John's Way route can be found below.

'Walk With Me Oh God'

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 10:54:07 GMT

This reflection on the St Luke's Way of the Pilgrimage of Hope was given by Terence Cavanagh, a perpetual pilgrim, at the Cathedral of St Barnabas on 13th September 2025. A video of all four reflections can be found here .

St Luke's Way is from the Cathedral of East Anglia Norwich to St Barnabas Cathedral Nottingham. It was walked from Thursday 4th September to Saturday 13th September.

Wow! What a privilege this evening to be here. I would like to reflect on three things: Prayer, Places and People

Prayer:

'Take my yoke upon yourselves and learn from me

For l am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls

Yes my yoke is easy and my burden light."

One of the many wonderful experiences during the last ten days has been group prayer and a re-awakening of the importance of the Rosary. Pilgrims from the east on the St Luke's Way in the first two days had a mini pilgrimage to Walsingham. We walked the Holy Mile (some bare foot) , we attended mass in the Slipper Chapel

celebrated by Fr Peter Wygnanski.

Places and People:

Places of hospitality, places of nourishment, around thirty people, that were strangers became friends.

Norwich, Cawston, Walsingham, Dersingham, Kings Lynn, Wisbech, Spalding, Dyke, Grantham, Bingham and finally Nottingham.

We had thirty two day pilgrims in total join Patrick and me on the walk, we encountered in them both physical and made spiritual connections.

And our thanks in no particular order to:

Fr Peter Wygnanski

Fr Peter Rollings (Our Lady of the Annunciation)

Fr James Wisbech (Our Lady of St Charles Borromeo )

Fr Jim Spalding (Immaculate Conception and St Norbert)

Fr Jonathan Grantham (St Mary's)

The Parish Priest (of St Cecilia's) Dersingham

Also the Anglican vicars of St Lawrence and St Agnes, the Methodist minister at the Church centre Bingham and the Eucharistic minister at St Annes Radcliffe.

We are moulded by people, who gave us an example of love and we have been truly blessed.

I would like to finish with the following prayer:

Walk with me O God

Diolch (thank you).

Terence Cavanagh

More details of the St Luke's Way route can be found below.

A Pilgrimage along the St Mark's Way

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 10:27:44 GMT

The St Mark's Way was the northern Way of the Pilgrimage of Hope from Leeds Cathedral to St Barnabas' Cathedral in Nottingham via St Marie's Cathedral in Sheffield and the Chapel of the Padley Martyrs.

The Pilgrimage started on 6th September 2025 and reached Nottingham on 13th September. The pilgrims walked 105.9 miles and climbed 3,750 ft, the highest point being 1,388 ft. During the Pilgrimage Rowan Morton-Gledhill, perpetual pilgrim and Director of Communications for the Diocese of Leeds, wrote a daily blog, accompanied by some wonderful photos. They can be found on the website of the Diocese of Leeds using the links below:

Day One: https://www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk/pilgrims-progress-on-the-national-jubilee-pilgrimage-of-hope-day-one/

Day Two: https://www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk/pilgrims-progress-on-the-national-jubilee-pilgrimage-of-hope-day-two/

Day Three: https://www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk/pilgrims-progress-on-the-national-jubilee-pilgrimage-of-hope-day-3/

Day Four: https://www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk/pilgrims-progress-on-the-national-jubilee-pilgrimage-of-hope-day-4/

Day Five: https://www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk/pilgrims-progress-on-the-national-jubilee-pilgrimage-of-hope-day-5/

Day Six: https://www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk/pilgrims-progress-on-the-national-jubilee-pilgrimage-of-hope-day-6/

Day Seven: https://www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk/pilgrims-progress-on-the-national-jubilee-pilgrimage-of-hope-day-7/

Day Eight: https://www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk/pilgrims-progress-on-the-national-jubilee-pilgrimage-of-hope-day-8/

Rowan also recorded a brief talk about the Pilgrimage for BBC Radio Leeds. You can listen here .

More details of the St Mark's Way route can be found below.

Are You Lost Yet?

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 17:02:07 GMT

“ARE YOU LOST YET?” asked the foot high letters painted under Spaghetti Junction.

If you pass this way often you might be aware of a space underneath one of the bridges, on which unknown hands have painted this message. Until recently it read “Winning is for Losers” but today’s message was amusingly relevant to us as Perpetual Pilgrims on the St Matthew’s Way. We were not lost, but anxiety about losing both ourselves and the day pilgrims is something most of us have expressed at some point. Leading others is a responsibility, and the fear of leading people astray, who have put their trust in you, is understandable. The reason we haven’t had any serious wanderings from our path is simple; each day there is a group leader, but one of us is also a backmarker. This person checks that we don’t leave anyone behind and also makes sure we are following the map. Occasionally, if the leader is confused, they might consult with the backmarker or with Phil, who is always keeping an eye on the route he has planned. So, disaster has been averted even when I, at one point, set off confidently in the wrong direction. Working together, acknowledging our weaknesses and using our skills to the benefit of the group has been the key.

There is something frightening about getting lost, but for me there is also an appeal about being far off the beaten track yet finding a way. There have been several points along our journey when we have felt miles from anywhere and our reliance on each other, and on God, has been palpable. Being lost enough to feel vulnerable and to know our need of God is part of the Christian experience. Most of us have had moments when we have been completely ‘at sea’. At its best the Church is the vessel into which we are scooped up in our confusion. However, an unmanned boat is hardly going to help a person who is struggling in the water. Without a person reaching out a hand, throwing a lifeline, calling encouragement, a boat would be more of a hindrance than a help. This is where we come in. In our parish communities and in our daily lives we are uniquely placed to encounter those who are trying to find their way home. We may not always recognize or feel equal to these opportunities, but the Holy Spirit is just waiting to be invited to change that.

Our personal experiences of being ‘lost’ are vital to how God can reach others through us. Our doubts, disappointments and shameful mistakes often weigh heavily on us, but through the forgiveness and healing of Christ they become the means by which we can understand and help others. Healing moves us from dragging these ‘crosses’ around, to accepting that they are our history, and a history from which we can unearth great treasure. They teach us humility and reliance on God. This can help us to support others who may seem beyond help: “Evangelisation is just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread” D T Niles said. So, when we next find ourselves taking a wrong turn and feeling a fool, perhaps we need to open ourselves to learning from the experience, accepting the help of others and embracing the mercy of God. His power is made perfect in our weakness after all!

Appropriately, D T Niles also wrote these words, which speak of the experience of pilgrimage and the lessons it has taught me:

“HURRY means that we gather impressions but have no experiences, that we collect acquaintances but make no friends, that we attend meetings but experience no encounter. We must recover eternity if we are to find time, and eternity is what Jesus came to restore. For without it, there can be no charity.”

Joe Northam is a parishioner of Our Lady of Good Counsel and St Gregory the Great, Bearwood, Birmingham. This article was first published on the website of the Archdiocese of Birmingham

'The Grace of Pilgrimage'

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 16:36:27 GMT

This reflection on the St Mark's Way of the Pilgrimage of Hope was given by Anna Larkin, a perpetual pilgrim, at the Cathedral of St Barnabas on 13th September 2025. A video of all four reflections can be found here .

We thank you, Lord, for your invitation, addressed personally to each one of us to journey with you over these past days.

On the first day, graffitied under a bridge on the M1 were the words: "Follow your soul, it knows the way". Indeed, Lord, on this pilgrimage, you who dwell in the depths of our hearts were inviting each of us to know you more deeply.

Thank you for the grace given to everyone who said yes to playing their role, walking, welcoming, making sandwiches, transporting bags, praying, hearing confessions, and those you called to serve in very many hidden ways known perhaps to you alone.

Thank you, Lord, for the example of selfless generosity that we have seen in our fellow pilgrims - and in the parishes where we have been welcomed. It was, of course, you, Lord, who put these people on my path, so that, inspired by their example, we can grow in likeness of you.

Thank you, Lord, that our path allowed us to walk in the footsteps of countless martyrs of the Reformation, particularly the Padley martyrs and the Beauvale martyrs. Through their example, help us understand the beauty of white martyrdom in our daily actions and attitudes.

Thank you, Lord, for allowing us the time and space to cast off our day-to-day worries and even to rediscover a childlike playfulness. This was helped by the participation of our 'celebrity pilgrim' St Peter, our 13th-century mini statue, who day and perpetual pilgrims alike enjoyed capturing 'on location' in many a serious or less serious setting.

Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to live more simply and for the opportunity to be poor; to need to ask for water, for a rest, for a squirt of toothpaste. Thank you for allowing me to witness my fellow pilgrim gracefully accept and drink a cup of tea - something I know he would never choose for himself! Help us in turn to give generously and receive with gratitude.

Thank you, Lord, for allowing us to experience discomfort and pain. Even when burdened with the cross of your crucifixion, you imparted no harsh words and remained patient. Teach me, Lord, to do the same.

Thank you, Lord, that this wasn't a race or an endurance test. No, these days have been a reminder that our lives are a pilgrimage together towards our heavenly home. Lord, grant that as we return to our daily lives, we may continue to keep our eyes fixed on our final destination and help others to do the same, and Lord, when things don't quite go to plan, please help me remember I am a pilgrim, not a tourist.

Thank you, Lord, for the infinite diversity of expression and life, the mystery and dignity of each and every person we have met or walked with over these past days. As a good Father, you know our most intimate joys and pains, spoken or unspoken, shared or perhaps painfully hidden, that pilgrims have carried here to Nottingham. Help us to know ever more deeply the breadth and length and height and depth of your transformative and healing love.

Anna Larkin

Icon photo © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk, Banner photo © Rowan Morton-Gledhill

More about the St Mark's Way route can be found below.

To Walk Takes Courage

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 09:58:12 GMT

Our first six days on the Pilgrimage of Hope have been filled with beautiful views, showers, sunshine, laughter and fellowship.

We have covered 90 miles to date. Day 7, our first rest day felt like quite a long time coming! Whilst the other Perpetual pilgrims went home with their hosts I returned home for two days with my family. After 6 days walking our bodies have found a rhythm and are actually feeling better. Even though it is sometimes hard to get moving in the morning we know that the encouragement of others, the promise of what we will see that day, and the pattern of prayer will help us to keep going. It is this experience I have come away reflecting on. Yesterday I walked with a sister of the Poor Clares. She voiced some of what we have been experiencing: “Our bodies are made for movement!” This statement took me back to the homily which sent us out from Cardiff Cathedral on the feast of St Augustine. “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you…” the Priest quoted, going on to say that we, as pilgrims, were expressing something of this restless search.

As we had hoped, every day has brought new pilgrims to join us and each one of them has added gifts and insights to our community on the move. One common motivator towards taking part in the pilgrimage, which many have shared, is a feeling of being at a junction in life. In fact, the frequency of people expressing this state has been really remarkable. Sometimes it is between two ways, with someone asking God: “should I do A, or B?” At other times it is an almost infinite variety of possible directions leading to the question: “What next, God?” What draws the experiences together is a sense of openness to God, a willingness to explore what God wills.

Reflecting on my own experience I realise that to have joined the pilgrimage will have required courage. To face uncertainty with an openness to God’s guidance is a movement of grace, towards more grace. It may not express a full blooded ‘trust’ in God, it may be a wavering flame of hope but we know that our God will not quench the wavering flame. Sometimes a difficult decision has us running from God, anxious that our discernment is sure to lead us to the very thing we least want to do. We find excuses not to listen, we get busy with other things, we move from one course of action to the next. All of this, counterproductive though it may be, is movement and in spite of ourselves, God often calls to us through the experiences it produces.

When we are confused and bewildered our instinct is not always towards God, or away from God. We can become muscular and defensive. Figuratively you might think of curling up in a ball; all the vulnerable underbelly hidden away. Traumatic life events often leave us this way; we’ve been hurt and want to avoid further pain. It takes courage to begin to move. Our first movement may not be towards God but it does exhibit a godly virtue – courage. Courage, unlike hope, is a cardinal virtue – in other words a virtue which we can develop through the practice of our faith. We begin to do the things we can. We attend Mass, Confession, we spend time before the Blessed Sacrament, we do works of charity, we step out on a pilgrimage. These things can help us to show courage in the face of adversity. Courage can grow. Courage can help to lead us to a state of openness to God. God can do the rest. He can pour the theological virtue of hope into our hearts.

A memory from the first days of the pilgrimage which continues to make me smile is one of my fellow pilgrims looking down at his feet and saying, with a grim determination: “Time to put the boots back on!” There are certainly moments when it is a challenge, just as, in our spiritual lives, it is sometimes a struggle to move forwards. However once our feet are in our boots and we have put one foot in front of another for an hour or so, new horizons open up and we are changed. We perpetual pilgrims on St Matthew’s way, are all conscious that we are meeting people taking brave steps in their lives and we are privileged to do so. Each of us, in our parish communities, is also walking in faith alongside people who are standing at their own crossroads looking for God’s guidance. It is part of our call to pray for them and to be part of a church which moves.

Joe Northam was a perpetual pilgrim on the Pilgrimage of Hope and is a parishioner of Our Lady of Good Counsel and St Gregory the Great, Bearwood, Birmingham

This post was first published on the website of the Archdiocese of Birmingham.

Pilgrimage of Hope Podcast

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 09:43:50 GMT

All Kinds of Catholics podcast on the Pilgrimage of Hope!

For Episode 68 of the All Kinds of Catholics podcast Theresa Alessandro joined the pilgrims before the start, on all four ways, and at the concluding celebrations in Nottingham. Pilgrims felt able to speak to her from the heart; of their experience of walking, of their Catholic heritage, of the hospitality they received enroute, of the presence of God in nature, of community, hope and love.

In the words of St John Henry Newman; 'Heart speaks to heart'.

Click the button below to listen.

Food for the Body; Food for the Soul

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 09:07:08 GMT

They say that an army marches on its stomach and I think the same must be true of pilgrims.

I was one of the perpetual pilgrims on the national Pilgrimage of Hope to Nottingham and the feast we were given on our first night rather set the scene for what was to come. We’d reached the shrine of Our Lady of Willesdon in North London, having been sent on our way in the morning from St Geroge’s Cathedral in Southwark with an early Mass followed by breakfast prepared by members of the CAFOD team. After setting out our sleeping bags in the hall and a mass for us in the church, some of the ladies of the parish sat us down and fed us with two types of Caribbean chicken (exquisite), Nigerian rice (equally exquisite), two types of roast potato, plus pasta and a variety of veg; followed by cakes AND singing and dancing led by one of the women. And in the morning, a Sri Lankan parishioner served us a lovely, and very healthy, breakfast, to keep us going to South Ruislip.

The church of St Gregory was our second night stopping place and Fr. Marco had organised for us quiches with a range of tasty hams, cheeses and bread: all accompanied by three bottles of eminently drinkable wine. The culinary bar had been set high but Out Lady Help of Christians in Rickmansworth didn’t disappoint. Fr Andrew joined us after mass at a beautifully laid table in the hall and we were served an Italian-style starter comprising slices of tomato and mozzarella. I must have had thirds, it was so nice, but luckily there was still room for the main course of chicken casserole with rice. And then, no fewer than three desserts: a trifle to die for, plus fruit salad and ice-cream. I had it all, and went back for more. As Oscar Wilde famously said, “I can resist everything except temptation.” That had also been the case somewhat at lunchtime, when members of the cleaning team of St Paul’s, Harefield, had given us a delightful welcome and plied us with sausage rolls, sandwiches, tea and cakes.

Day 4 to Berkhamstead was a long one: 17 miles along the towpath of the Grand Union Canal. One of the walkers told me how she’d felt like giving up at lunchtime but, with the encouragement of the group, had pressed on and had finished with a great sense of achievement and had found the experience “transformational.” Day 4 was also the one where my wife, Yim Soon cooked for us, Korean-style, in the kitchen of Sacred Heart church. One of the hungry and footsore pilgrims said it was the nicest meal she’d ever had. The following night it was pretty good too. Parishioners of Sacred Heart, Leighton Buzzard had left dishes for us and they just needed to be heated up. There was a starter of vegetable soup with nice bread, and the main course was a vegan shepherd’s pie with green beans. As on a previous day, I had thirds! But there was still room for strawberries and cream. There’s always room for strawberries and cream.

Day 6 was the one where we got taken out to a restaurant in the evening. Deacon Klaus of St Bede’s, Newport Pagnell was a friendly and generous host; and the tea and cakes on arrival after another strenuous 16-miler of a day were an especially wonderful sight to behold as I collapsed into a chair and shed boots and socks. A substantial breakfast was provided us for us as well. We needed it. Due to route diversions and missing turns a couple of times (I always say to people that getting a bit lost is all part of the pilgrimage experience) we ended up covering a whopping 19 miles on Day 7. And part of our reward in Northampton was getting taken in the evening to the homes of parishioners. Aideen and Kevin couldn’t have been kinder to us. We were able to use their shower, Aideen did our laundry (we were down to our last items), and then we were given a hearty plate of salmon, new potatoes and green beans from their garden; followed by a divine blackberry and apple crumble; and all washed down with a couple of glasses of pinot grigio.

After a well-earned rest day in Northampton, we were on our way again, and our Day 8 of walking took us away from the canal and into wide-open countryside. It also took us to Market Harborough and to yet more incredible hospitality. The kind host for Yim Soon, Anita and I was Cyprian, who explained, after we’d all had glorious showers, that his friend Basia was doing the cooking. Basia, who has run her own restaurant, told us as we took our seats at the table that she’d been taught by her Polish grandmother to cook with love. Basia had clearly been a good student, for what followed, in both presentation and taste, could not have been bettered in a Michelin starred establishment. We were given long strips of pepper filled with buckwheat, accompanied by green beans arranged around a sort of nutty mixture and with a Greek-style yogurty sauce. Cyprian assured us that this was ‘just’ the entrée and, sure enough, there was more. From the oven, Basia produced a tray of chicken pieces roasted in lemon and the sight of it was a work of art in itself, so that I simply stared at it, wide-eyed, for some time. Eating it was good too; and it was perfectly paired with a dish of potato wedges. And, deserving of such a banquet, Cyprian had opened a very good bottle of French red.

Day 9 of walking took us across freshly-ploughed fields and I’d pointed out to the group in the morning that we were pilgrims in the truest sense of a word that has its origin in the Latin pereginus , from per , meaning through, and ager , meaning field. In the days when the expression was first coined, most people would never travel much beyond their own village, except for an occasional journey to a distant holy place, which would take them literally through the fields. Our walk that day across some very soggy fields was 16 miles in length and took us to Belton in Rutland. By happy chance it was a Wednesday, the only day in the week when the local pub, The Sun Inn, does food. Yim Soon and I treated ourselves to enormous plates of lasagne, chips and salad. The fatigue and the downpours of the day were quickly forgotten.

The hospitality bar had been set sky high, and I wondered if it could continue. Oh yes, it could! In Melton Mowbray, after a stage of ‘only’ 15 miles, Yim Soon and I were hosted by Vicky and Graham, with whom we had the most convivial of evenings. On arrival, Vicky gave us tea and gigantic cookies and encouraged us to have a nice shower and relax for a while. Then at the meal table, Vicky said “Let’s go mad,” as Graham opened a bottle of fizz. For the main course of boeuf bourguignon, we moved onto a heavenly Cabernet Sauvignon (what else!) and the blackberry crumble pudding was indeed sent by the angels. Vicky and Graham were fascinated by the various walks that Yim Soon and I had done in the preceding year and they were fantastic company.

Our Day 11 of walking was another 15-miler and ended in the village of Keyworth, where parishioners of St Margaret Clitherow had prepared an Indian-theme meal. There was a huge pot of Keema Pulao, which is a sort of vegetable curry hiding underneath a layer of steaming rice. Then there was a scrumptious yogurt dish called Riata, a tomato and onion salad and piles and piles of poppadoms and naans.

That was the last evening our group would be together, for the next day we would reach our destination of Nottingham and meet up with the other three groups that had been coming from north, east and west. It was appropriate that we began to reminisce about the incredible kindness we had received on our journey. Having done now many pilgrimages, I’ve noticed how the act of being a pilgrim touches not just those walking but also those that are passed on the way. On this Pilgrimage of Hope, those we had passed had been so incredibly kind and they seemed to have delighted in that.

In case any reader gets the impression that pilgrimage is one big, happy dinner party, I should point out that walking long distances day after day and being without the normal securities and creature comforts of life can be tough. And yet, there is something utterly joyful about the experience. As usual, there was fun, there was laughter, there was singing. And yes, there was some quite remarkable food. Food for the body, food for the soul. And in the immortal words of John Bunyan, which we sang in our final mass in Nottingham’s St Barnabas Cathedral:

There’s no discouragement shall make him once relent
his first avowed intent to be a pilgrim.

Between meals Eddie Gilmore is a writer and collaborator in the Hearts in Search of God project. More information about his books here .

In Search of the 'Apostle to England'

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 13:33:12 GMT

Mario Mancini, an Italian Pilgrim to England, came to Merseyside in search of the 'Apostle to England'!

I am Mario Mancini, from Viterbo (Italy). I am 82 years old but only a few years ago I learned the story of our countryman Blessed Dominic Barberi of the Mother of God. He was proclaimed Apostle of England and of Ecumenism by Saint Pope Paul VI during the II Vatican Ecumenical Council for his missionary work throughout the West Midlands in the 19 ^th century, but his memory was since forgotten in his birth town. On the contrary he is greatly revered in that part of England where he spent his life. So, I was happy to find out that the Archbishop of Liverpool designated his Shrine (in Sutton – Saint Helens) as a Jubilee Church.

In Viterbo we are very fond of the “Francigena” Pilgrim Way that brings us to the Apostles’ graves in Rome, and I understood that the best way to mark the Jubilee was to walk to the Shrine of the “Apostle of England”. I was lucky to be in touch with Dr Phil McCarthy who has done an astonishing job mapping a Pilgrim Way for every English & Welsh diocese. He has selected an itinerary to avoid the busiest motor routes, to touch the more interesting features and give priority to country paths. He prepared a detailed explanation of the crossroads throughout the built-up areas and of the pathways in the woods and in the open countryside including some thought-provoking comments about the main buildings and/or local interesting locations. It was essential for my two days walk. Phil’s project included a Pilgrim “Credenziale” to record the stamps I was collecting along the road.

I started from Liverpool Christ the King Metropolitan Cathedral, and, in the Ecumenical spirit stopped in the Anglican Cathedral in front of it. In both churches I had the same welcome and their stamp on my Pilgrim Passport. I stopped also at the Beatles’ House as a tribute to my eighteen old age memories. It was a Sunday, and I participated in the Holy Mass at the Redemptorists’ Bishop Eton church, where I got another stamp. I passed by a few other locations but couldn’t access them. I left the Liverpool town using the beautiful Trans Pennine Trail and I found myself in the magnificent England countryside. Next stop was for a late lunch in Cronton: they put just a signature in my card. I stopped overnight at Rainhill, next to the St Bartholomew Church, to be ready the next morning (Monday the 25 ^th of August) to arrive at the big Blessed Dominic’s celebration on his feast day at the Sutton Shrine.

The next day, as an old geologist, I couldn’t miss the programmed visit to the disused site of a coal mine. The Forestry Commission has transformed the wasteland into woodland: it was so successful that I lost myself, but I could find somebody to redirect me. I was in time for the celebration where I was welcomed by some of the people that I met years before.

All in all, it was a unique experience. I was not used to so long a walk, but it gave me some strong sensations I couldn’t have otherwise: to follow the very footstep of my fellow countrymen bringing back to these places the Roman Church with love and passion, to be part of the real life of a country, to open the soul in a prayer through all the features of Creation.

On the way back to the Airport I visited the Manchester Jubilee Church of St Mary’s, ‘The Hidden Gem’ and the Manchester Anglican Cathedral where I explained the meaning of my trip and they insisted on putting a double stamp on my Pilgrim Passport. Back home I downloaded a Certificate of my Pilgrimage from Phil’s “Hearts in Search of God” website.

Mario Mancini

PS When at the Rainhill Hotel they asked me for my documents I realized that I left all of them behind, so I gave as I.D. my Pilgrim Passport and that was it!

St Luke's Way (East) to Nottingham

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:21:47 GMT

St Luke's Way

The eastern Pilgrimage of Hope Way from the Cathedral Church of St John the Baptist in Norwich to the Cathedral Church of St Barnabas in Nottingham via the National Shrine of Our Lady at Houghton St Giles and the Pontifical Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham at King's Lynn. St Luke the Evangelist is believed to the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Tradition has it that he was martyred by being hanged from an olive tree. He is described in the New Testament as a physician.

Patron : Julian of Norwich (c. 1343 – after 1416) English anchoress, mystic and theologian.

Julian's writings, now known as Revelations of Divine Love, are the earliest surviving English-language works attributed to a woman. They are also the only surviving works by an anchoress in English. Her feast is celebrated on 13 ^th May.

Overview

St Luke's Way starts at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Norwich, leaving the city along the Marriotts Way, crossing the River Wensum towards Cawston, then taking the Pilgrim Cross route to Walsingham along country lanes to the National Shrine to Our Lady at Houghton St Giles. From Walsingham the Way follows tracks and lanes to Dersingham and then crosses the Sandringham estate to King's Lynn. The Way continues alongside the Great Ouse to Wisbech, then across fenland to Spalding and Bourne. The Way uses roads and footpaths to navigate the rolling countryside of Kesteven to Grantham, then follows the Grantham canal near Belvoir Castle across farmland to Bingham, joining the Trent Valley Way at Radcliffe, to arrive at St Barnabas' Cathedral in Central Nottingham.

Essential facts:

Route length: 155.4 miles
Ascent: 1,883 ft
Peak elevation: 443 ft (the route is generally flat)
The Way can be followed using a GPX file (download using the button below).

St Luke's Way route

SUGGESTED STAGES

St John's Way (South) to Nottingham

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:21:39 GMT

St John's Way

The southern Pilgrimage of Hope Way from Southwark and Westminster Cathedrals in London to St Barnabas' Cathedral in Nottingham via the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate & St Thomas of Canterbury in Northampton. St John the Evangelist is traditionally identified as John the Apostle, the 'Beloved Disciple'. He is believed to have been exiled to the Aegean island of Patmos, where he wrote the Book of Revelation.

Patron : St Anne Line (c. 1563 – 1601): English married lay woman, convert and martyr.

After the death of her husband, who had been banished for attending Mass, Anne was active in sheltering clandestine Catholic priests. Finally arrested, she was condemned to death and executed at Tyburn. She was canonised in 1970. Her feasts are: 27th February (individual), 25th October (with the Forty Martyrs of England & Wales), 30th August (with SS Margaret Ward and Margaret Clitherow).

Overview

The Way starts at the Cathedral of St George in Southwark and crosses the River Thames to reach Westminster Cathedral. It then passes through Royal parks to the Shrine of the Tyburn Martyrs. At Paddington the Grand Union Canal is reached. Apart from optional diversions to churches the Canal arm is followed to Northolt where the Way joins the Dog Rose Ramble and then the Hillingdon Trail. At Bayhurst Woods the Way diverts W to Harefield and soon rejoins the Grand Union Canal. Apart from diversions to Rickmansworth, Abbots Langley (birthplace of Adrian IV, the only English pope), and Leighton Buzzard the Canal is followed to Newport Pagnall. After the town the route follows the Three Shires Way, then the Midshires Way, the Northamptonshire Round and finally the Nene Way to Northampton Cathedral. The path leaves the city and rejoins the Midshires Way to Arthingworth and soon after follows the Brampton Valley Way to Market Harborough. The Way continues N on the Rutland Way and then the Leicestershire Round. Where this bends W the path follows the Jubilee Way to Melton Mowbray. The Way crosses farmland to reach Willoughby-in-the-Wolds where it breifly re-joins the Midshires Way before diverting to Keyworth. The Way heads towards Nottingham, briefly following a disused railway line, to finally reach Nottingham Cathedral.

Essential facts:

Route length: 169.4 miles
Ascent: 4,669 ft - the route is mostly very flat
Peak elevation: 656 ft
The Way can be followed using a GPX file (download below)

St John's Way route map

Potential day stages

St Matthew's Way (West) to Nottingham

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:21:36 GMT

St Matthew's Way

The western Pilgrimage of Hope Way from St David's Cathedral in Cardiff to St Barnabas' Cathedral in Nottingham via St Chad's Cathedral in Birmingham and the Shrine of St Chad in Lichfield. St Matthew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. According to Christian traditions, he was also author of the Gospel of Matthew. According to some Early Church Fathers Matthew preached the gospel in Ethiopia before being martyred.

Patron: St Melangell (c 7th or 8th Century) Welsh hermit, consecrated virgin and abbess.

According to her hagiography, Melangell was a princess who fled an arranged marriage and became a consecrated virgin in the wilderness of Powys. She saved a hare from a prince's hunting dogs and is associated with protection of wildlife. Her feast is celebrated on 27th May.

Overview:

The Way starts at St David's Cathedral in Cardiff. The route soon joins the Welsh Coast Path to Newport and then Chepstow. Here the Way turns inland following the Offa's Dyke Path through the Wye Valley to Monmouth. The route follows the Wye Valley Walk to Ross-on-Wye where the Way joins the Herefordshire Trail to Ledbury. The Geopark Way and the Three Choirs Way (3CW) are followed over the Malvern Hills. After Malvern the Way continues on the 3CW until the River Severn is crossed and followed to Worcester. The Monarch's Way is followed to Droitwich Spa and then the Wychavon Way and John Corbett Way to Bromsgrove Spa. Here the Monarch's Way is regained until just before Illey the Way diverts into central Birmingham along the Illey Way. From the Cathedral of St Chad in Birmingham the Way follows the St Chad's Way , at first along canal towpaths. The Way passes through Sutton Coldfield before joining the Heart of England Way to Lichfield. The route joins the Trent & Mersey Canal towpath to Burton upon Trent and then on to Sawley. Here the Way diverts to Long Eaton and then follows the Way of Blessed Cyprian Tansi along the Broxtowe Country Trail and finally the Beeston Canal towpath to central Nottingham and the Cathedral of St Barnabas.

Essential facts:

Route length: 210.2 miles
Ascent: 10,955 ft
Peak elevation: 1,378 ft
The Way can be followed using a GPX file (download using the button below).

St Matthew's Way route

Potential day stages

St Mark's Way (North) to Nottingham

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:21:31 GMT

St Mark's Way

The northern Pilgrimage of Hope Way from Leeds Cathedral to St Barnabas' Cathedral in Nottingham via St Marie's Cathedral in Sheffield and the Chapel of the Padley Martyrs. St Mark the Evangelist was an Egyptian who is traditionally ascribed to be the author of the Gospel of Mark. According to Church tradition, Mark founded the episcopal see of Alexandria, which was one of the five most important sees of early Christianity. His feast day is celebrated on April 25, and his symbol is the winged lion.

Patron: St Hilda of Whitby (c. 614 – 680) abbess and key figure in the Anglo-Saxon Church.

Hilda founded and was the first abbess of the monastery at Whitby which was the venue for the Synod of Whitby in 664. She was widely recognised for her wisdom and learning and trained five bishops. Her feast is celebrated on 17th November.

Overview:

The Way starts at Leeds Cathedral and follows the Transpennine Trail (TPT) SE beside the Aire & Calder Navigation to Woodlesford. Here the path veers SW to re-join the TPT along a disused railway line and then the River Calder to Wakefield. The Way follows the TPT again beside the former Barnsley Canal and then along a disused railway to Wombwell. The route turns SW along the Barnsley Boundary Walk to Elsecar, and then across farmland to briefly join the Old Salt Rd, beside the A629. The Way soon joins the Sheffield Country Walk and follows this beside the Sheffield Canal to reach St Marie's Cathedral in central Sheffield. From here the Way joins the Padley Martyrs Way , leaving the city through Endcliffe Park and then climbing Houndkirk Moor to arrive at the Chapel of the Padley Martyrs. The path then follows the River Derwent to Matlock. The Way leaves the Derwent at Ambergate and turns east, through Ripley and then along the former Cromford Canal to Eastwood. Here the route joins the Robin Hood Way to Strelley where the Way veers E to Kingsbury and finally reaches St Barnabas' Cathedral, central Nottingham.

Essential facts:

Route length: 105.9 miles
Ascent 3,750 ft: The route is mostly flat with the only significant climb on Day 4 over Houndkirk Moor
Peak elevation: 1,388 ft
The Way can be followed using a GPX file (download using the button below).

St Mark's Way route

Possible day stages

The National Pilgrimage of Hope is starting!

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 14:15:39 GMT

Joe Northam explains how she came to be involved in the Pilgrimage of Hope. She is walking the St Matthew's Way from Cardiff to Nottingham.

When I heard about the Pilgrimage of Hope, a walking Pilgrimage which will mark England and Wales with the sign of the cross, I really wanted to get involved. At that time, I didn’t imagine that I would end up being a perpetual pilgrim walking (nearly) all 210 miles of the Western route. I offered to help recce the planned route. I love walking and I was looking for an opportunity to spend time alone with God, and checking the route seemed to bring those things together. However, as soon as I met with Phil, who has planned the Pilgrimage , and voiced my enthusiasm for the project I felt that, perhaps, I could do more. I just needed a bit of flexibility to accommodate the needs of my family, and being assured of that I began to discuss with my husband just how involved I could get!

The first of my preparatory walks along the route began from my neighbouring parish in Harborne back in December 2024. Nine months later we prepare to embark from Cardiff. The journey ahead feels just daunting enough that we know that God needs to lead us. By we, I mean both the team of perpetual pilgrims - Phil, Faith, Jim, Dave, Catherine and myself - and the many day pilgrims who will join us for part of the way. Our ‘ St Matthew’s Way ’ takes us from the coastal paths of Wales, through the Wye Valley and across the Malvern Hills to Worcester. Then to Birmingham and from there to Lichfield and along the canals to Nottingham. It will be beautiful, varied and deeply ingrained with Christian heritage.

When we met in London in May, we as a team shared our desire to meet God on the journey, not just in the glorious cathedrals and the splendour of nature, but in other people. For myself the opportunity of spending two weeks in community with the perpetual pilgrims is a challenge and a privilege. I began my Catholic life as a part of a youth community in the Nottingham Diocese and I know that the formation and growth of a shared life is not like anything else. Each day pilgrim will become a part of this sharing, bringing a unique life experience. Some may bring a testimony of God’s call on their life, others may arrive simply interested by the concept of pilgrimage and unaware of the hand of God in their life. My prayer is that each of us finishes our journey more hopeful than we began.

Something I learned at the start of this liturgical year, this year of Jubilee , is that hope is a theological virtue. My understanding is that this means that it is a ‘supernatural’ virtue rather than a ‘natural’ one, something imparted by God, rather than something we attain by a muscular effort. So when we feel hopeless, it seems to me, all that we can do is to create the conditions in which God can give us his gift. For me, openness to God never seems more possible than when I am walking. A combination of being in wild spaces, knowing that I am part of the creation and the rhythm of walking, putting one foot in front of the other strips away what distracts me like so much dross.

At the start of this Jubilee Year Pope Francis encouraged Catholics to consider undertaking a pilgrimage. For me there is something special about making a pilgrimage on foot but for some people that will not be possible. However, the intentional following of God to a place of prayer is something which is open to everyone. May our encounters with him on the way give us hope and allow us to bring hope to others.

Joe Northam is a parishioner of Our Lady of Good Counsel and St Gregory the Great, Bearwood, Birmingham.

This blog was first published on the website of the Archdiocese of Birmingham .

In the Archdiocese of Birmingham the Pilgrimage will include visits to St Joseph, Malvern; St George, Worcester; St Peter, Bromsgrove; St Mary, Harborne; Holy Trinity, Sutton Coldfield; Holy Cross, Lichfield and SS Mary & Modwen, Burton on Trent (between Thursday 4 and Thursday 11 September). Please pray for all those taking part.

Join the Pilgrimage of Hope final celebrations in Nottingham!

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 15:49:25 GMT

Join the Welcoming Liturgy and concluding Solemn Mass

Whether you walk or not, come to the Cathedral on 13th September and enjoy a fitting celebration of the Jubilee Year. Meet pilgrims who arrive throughout the afternoon from 3.00 p.m. The Cathedral will be hosting Heritage Open Days with tours, a mini-pilgrimage of the building, and CAFOD’s Jubilee Icon on display. At 5.00 p.m. join Bishop Patrick in a welcoming liturgy to give thanks for the safe arrival of those who have travelled far.

Having spent two weeks walking from different corners England and Wales, the four groups of pilgrims will have completed their ‘Sign of the Cross’ over the country. The Pilgrimage will culminate at 11.15 a.m. on Sunday 14 September with Solemn Mass in the Cathedral for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Refreshments are available afterwards in the Cathedral Hall. All are welcome.

The Welcoming Liturgy and concluding Mass will be livestreamed here .

Join the celebration ceildh and Irish music evening

In the evening of Saturday 13th September you are warmly invited to a celebration Ceilidh in the Cathedral Hall. Mancunian Irish folk trio ‘Ride On’ provide the music, with a traditional ceilidh called by Leicester parishioner David Mottram. Doors open at 7.00 p.m., and the event closes at 9.30 p.m. Tickets, including a ploughman’s supper, are £10 and available from the Cathedral Office : please let us know any dietary requirements. Book early to avoid disappointment!

Please email the Cathedral office and pay £10 per ticket by cash, or online to sort code 30-96-18 and account number 01647189.

Re-establishing walking pilgrimages as a vital part of our Christian heritage

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 07:26:54 GMT

I was pleased to meet up with James Abbot of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England & Wales News Service to discuss the National Jubilee Walking Pilgrimage of Hope.

You can listen to a 14-minute podcast in which we discuss the four main routes of the national pilgrimage and my desire to place the ancient, pre-Reformation tradition of walking pilgrimages at the heart of our Catholic consciousness and practise.

Phil McCarthy

Photo © mazurcbcew

A Self-Guided Pilgrimage through Birmingham City Centre

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 07:18:10 GMT

Go into the heart of Birmingham on a reflective journey created by Father Hudson’s Caritas!

The FHC Pilgrimage of Hope invites you to explore 10 locations across the city centre — places that shine with hope and others where hope can be tested. Starting from either St Chad’s Cathedral or St Philip’s Churchyard, this fully accessible self-guided walk can be enjoyed individually or in groups. At each stop, you’ll be guided by a beautifully crafted booklet offering thoughtful reflections and practical calls to action. Children can take part too, with a fun activity sheet designed to help them engage with the pilgrimage in their own way. Whether you’re seeking spiritual reflection, social awareness, or simply a new way to experience Birmingham, the Pilgrimage of Hope offers a unique opportunity to open your eyes, heart, and mind to the power of hope.

For more information: www.fatherhudsons.org.uk/caritas/

Join the Pilgrimage of Hope!

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 09:41:46 GMT

The Pilgrimage of Hope is a national walking pilgrimage with four main Ways converging at the Cathedral of St Barnabas, Nottingham, on Saturday 13th September 2025, for shared prayer and celebration.

The four main Ways start at the Catholic cathedrals in Cardiff, Leeds, Norwich and London, and will bless our nations with a Sign of the Cross and with the Gospels. A small group of 'perpetual pilgrims' will walk the full distance of each Way, and day pilgrims can register to join for stages.

NB Day pilgrim registration will close on 21st August 2025.

Watch the short video below to find out more.

Walking Through Scripture: A Resource for Pilgrims Today

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 13:11:21 GMT

' Walking through Scripture' is a free and creative new resource by Fleur Dorrell.

It's designed for any one or any group who are:

About to embark on a pilgrimage.
Walking from one church to another.
Visiting a shrine or sacred place.
Walking as an opportunity to pray, reflect and meditate in the open air.
At home and wishing to make a spiritual walk with God.

Follow in the footsteps of Bible characters and the different reasons that people walked in the Bible.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

Galatians 5:25

Please click on the button below to find and download the resource.

Fleur Dorrell, Biblical Apostolate Manager

Faith & Formation Manager

Catholic Bishops' Conference of England & Wales

Another Day in Paradise, but "Why are we walking?"

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 10:16:38 GMT

I was in the north of Italy recently on the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage path to Rome that begins in Canterbury. My wife, Yim Soon and I were with a group from L’Arche in France who are walking to Assisi in one-week sections. It was the second day, we were going up an interminably steep hill, it was hot, and we had ‘slept’ the night before on a floor, and with that motley group of twenty-five sharing two toilets (one of which had a door with no lock!). Yim Soon turned to me and asked, “Why are we walking?” The pair of us had done a lot of walking up until that point, and we had a lot of hiking still to come, so that was a very reasonable question to ask.

One immediate answer was that we had the unexpected gift of time. I had moved to Ireland at the end of 2023 to take up a new job but things hadn’t worked out and I left in August 2024. We’d let out our house in the UK until June 2025 so Yim Soon had said to me, “Let’s walk!” I’d immediately agreed and our plans quickly took shape. We would do the Camino in Spain in October, the Lycian Way along the Turkish coast in February and March; then in April and May, we would follow the Way of Francis to Assisi and Rome. We also had an invitation to spend the winter with an old friend of Yim Soon from Korea who was now living with her family near Atlanta. This would include spending Christmas at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky, the Trappist monastery of Thomas Merton that I’d always dreamed of visiting.

There is a pleasing simplicity to life on the road. You scrunch your sleeping bag and the rest of your stuff into a rucksack in the morning and you walk. That's it! A lot of the usual worries of life seem to drop away and the biggest anxiety becomes making sure you don't get lost! Or where the next café con leche is going to come from! There's just something calming and centring about the age-old act of putting one foot in front of the other. There is also something about it that brings people together and draws out their story. And what incredible people we met on our various walks, and what wonderful stories we heard. And how we laughed with one another.

The beautiful scenery is therapeutic too. In Turkey we were treated to one amazing view after another as we paced up and down the mountains that fringe the Mediterranean. In Italy we passed each day through yet another stunning medieval fortified hilltop town. And since we were doing all 500 miles of the Camino Francés, we would see the stark changes in landscape as we crossed the north of Spain: from the Pyrenees and the mountains near Pamplona, through the flat, arid meseta, then into the verdant hills of Galicia as we neared Santiago.

There is a heightened awareness of the natural world: the sunrises, the sunsets, little wild flowers that appear as if out of nowhere. Food is deeply appreciated and I don't think that a meal at a Michelin restaurant could have satisfied me as much as the bread, cheese, tomato and cucumber I ate one day on a beach in Turkey, which we'd reached by a rocky and slightly hair-raising trek down a mountain. On the Camino I developed the art of the second, or even third breakfast. We had earned it!

I also loved the shared international meals, and there’s one that particularly stands out. I’d been looking forward to returning to the municipal albergue (pilgrim hostel) at a town called Nájera because of what had happened there nine years before when I’d been doing that same walk. I’d got in with a group of Koreans, partly on account of having a Korean wife, and they’d prepared a banquet and invited myself and my Australian friend James to join them. We’d also got in with the Italians and they wanted to feed us as well. Then a Spanish guy Gerado offered us food. We could have eaten three meals that evening, and I was determined that on this next visit it would be me doing the cooking for some of the lovely people we’d met on the way. I got to work in the kitchen, with a little help from my international friends, and a large group of us sat and shared a feast. There were people from different countries and continents and speaking different languages; there were twenty-year-olds who seemed happy to hang out with those of us who were three times their age; and there was a range of backgrounds and beliefs and reasons for walking.

It was utterly joyous. And after we’d eaten I picked up a guitar and started the singing, and various members of the group took a turn, and we were joined by others in that very diverse dining-room. The first song I did was one I’d written after that first Camino in 2015 and I told the story of how it had been inspired. James and I had been sitting on a bench outside the albergue in the early morning, waiting for the water to boil for our tea. The sun was just starting to rise above the trees and there was the sound of rushing water from the river, as well as the first birdsong. We were sitting there in companionable silence and then James said, “Another day in paradise.” Those words became the title of a book about pilgrimage which I wrote years later. They are also the first line of the chorus of my song ‘El Camino’ which I sang in that same albergue in Nájera in October, 2024. And I was so touched when one of the young people in our group, Lucy from Croatia, remarked at the end, “Wouldn’t it be cool if one of us came back here in nine years’ time and cooked for the other pilgrims and kept this story going!”

Why do we walk? Well, yes, it’s the food, the fellowship, the fun, the breathtaking scenery, the little daily miracles and random acts of kindness, and the opportunity to live a bit more simply and to discover that we can be very content with very little. But it’s also, as my friend James observed one morning when sitting with me on a bench outside a pilgrim hostel in Spain, an opportunity to give thanks for another day in paradise.

Eddie Gilmore is a Hearts in Search of God project collaborator. For more about Eddie and his books click here .

Become a Pilgrim of Hope for a (Shorter) Day!

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 16:47:12 GMT

Registration for Day Pilgrims is open and on some days there are shorter sections. Registration will close on 21st August 2025, so REGISTER NOW to avoid disappointment!

The four main Ways, named after the Evangelists, SS Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, start at the Catholic cathedrals in Cardiff, Leeds, Norwich and London, and will bless our nations with a Sign of the Cross and with the Gospels. The routes use established hiking routes and are off road as much as possible. A small group of 4-6 'perpetual pilgrims' will walk the full distance of each Way, and up to 20 day pilgrims will be able to register to join for stages. On some days there are opportunities for shorter walks.

The Hearts in Search of God Summer Newsletter 2025

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 12:04:51 GMT

Welcome to the Summer 2025 Hearts in Search of God Project newsletter.

The 2025 National Walking Pilgrimage of Hope:

Registration for Day Pilgrims is now open but will close on 21 ^st August 2025. Register NOW to avoid disappointment!

St Matthew’s Way

The western Pilgrimage of Hope Way is from St David's Cathedral in Cardiff to St Barnabas' Cathedral in Nottingham via St Chad's Cathedral in Birmingham and the Shrine of St Chad in Lichfield.

Day pilgrim stages include the Welsh Coast Path, Offa's Dyke Path through the Wye Valley, the Wye Valley Walk to Ross-on-Wye and the Herefordshire Trail to Ledbury. The Three Choirs Way is followed over the Malvern Hills and on to Worcester. The route goes on to Bromsgrove, through central Birmingham to reach Lichfield. The route joins the Trent & Mersey Canal towpath to Burton upon Trent and finally reaches Nottingham.

There are some hilly stages in the Wye Valley and Malvern Hills

Average walk day length: 14 miles

First walking day: Thursday 28th August 2025

More information and to register as a day pilgrim

St Mark’s Way

The northern Pilgrimage of Hope Way is from Leeds Cathedral to St Barnabas' Cathedral in Nottingham via St Marie's Cathedral in Sheffield and the Chapel of the Padley Martyrs.

The Way follows the Aire & Calder Navigation, a disused railway line and the River Calder to Wakefield. The Way then follows the former Barnsley Canal and a disused railway to Wombwell. The route turns SW across farmland, then follows the Sheffield Canal to reach St Marie's Cathedral in central Sheffield. The route leaves the city through Endcliffe Park, then climbs Houndkirk Moor to the Chapel of the Padley Martyrs. The path follows the River Derwent to Matlock where it turns east, through Ripley and then along the former Cromford Canal to Eastwood. Here the route joins the Robin Hood Way to Strelley and finally reaches St Barnabas' Cathedral, central Nottingham.

The route is mostly flat with the only significant climb on Day 4 over Houndkirk Moor

Average walk day length: 13.5 miles

First walking day Saturday 6 September 2025

More information and to register as a day pilgrim

St Luke’s Way

The St Luke's Way is the eastern Pilgrimage of Hope Way from the Cathedral Church of St John the Baptist in Norwich to the Cathedral Church of St Barnabas in Nottingham via the National Shrine of Our Lady at Houghton St Giles and the Pontifical Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham at King's Lynn.

The Way leaves the city along the Marriotts Way, crossing the River Wensum towards Cawston, then taking the Pilgrim Cross route to Walsingham along country lanes to the National Shrine to Our Lady at Houghton St Giles. From Walsingham the Way follows tracks and lanes to Dersingham and then crosses the Sandringham estate to King's Lynn. The Way continues alongside the Great Ouse to Wisbech, then across fenland to Spalding and Bourne. The Way uses roads and footpaths to navigate the rolling countryside of Kesteven to Grantham, then follows the Grantham canal near Belvoir Castle across farmland to Bingham, joining the Trent Valley Way at Radcliffe, to arrive at St Barnabas' Cathedral in Central Nottingham.

The Way is generally flat and involves walking along quiet lanes.

Average walk day length: 15.5 miles

First walking day: Thursday 4th September 2025

More information and to register as a day pilgrim

St John’s Way

The southern Pilgrimage of Hope Way is from Southwark and Westminster Cathedrals in London to St Barnabas' Cathedral in Nottingham via the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate & St Thomas of Canterbury in Northampton.

The Way passes through Royal parks to the Shrine of the Tyburn Martyrs. At Paddington the Grand Union Canal is reached. The Canal arm is followed for much of the route, visiting Harefield, Rickmansworth, Abbots Langley (birthplace of Adrian IV, the only English pope), d Leighton Buzzard and Newport Pagnall. The route then crosses quiet countryside to Northampton. The path continues to Market Harborough, Melton Mowbray, Willoughby-in-the-Wolds, Keyworth and finally Nottingham.

The Way is generally flat.

Average walk day length: 14.9 miles

First walking day: Monday 1st September

More information and to register as a day pilgrim

Please feel free to share his newsletter with people who may be interested. I hope you enjoy the website, designed by the wonderful people at

Everyday Christian Marketing.

Wishing you every blessing and joy as we start the Jubilee year, during which we can become ‘pilgrims of hope’.

Buen camino!

Phil McCarthy, Project Lead

The Pilgrimage of Hope is open for day pilgrims to register!

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 09:11:48 GMT

Registration for day pilgrims to join the 2025 National Walking Pilgrimage of Hope is now open!

The Pilgrimage of Hope is a national walking pilgrimage with four main Ways converging at the Cathedral of St Barnabas, Nottingham, on Saturday 13th September 2025, for shared prayer and celebration.

The four main Ways start at the Catholic cathedrals in Cardiff, Leeds, Norwich and Southwark, London, and will bless our nations with a Sign of the Cross and with the Gospels. The routes are named after the Evangelists and use established hiking routes and are off road as much as possible. A small group of 4-6 'perpetual pilgrims' will walk the full distance of each Way, and up to 20 day pilgrims will be able to join for day stages. Stretches which are suitable for wheelchairs and buggies have been be identified. There will be opportunities for non-walkers to provide enroute support, hospitality and prayer.

There are possible feeder routes to the four main Ways from all the other Catholic cathedrals of England & Wales for keen long-distance walkers, so people from every diocese can organise their own pilgrimages.

More information and registration

Information about how to support the Pilgrimage with prayer and hospitality and how to register to walk stages as day pilgrims can be found here .

Wishing you every blessing and joy during this Jubilee year, as we strive to become ‘pilgrims of hope’. I hope to meet many of you in Nottingham on 13th September.

Buen camino!

Phil McCarthy, Project Lead

Walking in the steps of London's saints

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 16:16:11 GMT

A group of 25 pilgrims gathered at the English Martyrs Church by Tower Hill last Thursday morning, Feast of the Ascension, to take part in the Westminster Way Jubilee Year Pilgrimage, led by Westminster Diocese Justice and Peace Co-Ordinator Colette Joyce.

At each station we prayed and reflected on saints connected to London and the inspiration they continue to be for us today: St John Houghton and the Carthusian Martyrs of the Reformation, the missionary St Augustine of Canterbury, St Anne Line who sheltered priests and held secret Masses in her home during the Elizabethan persecution, St Erconwald, St Ethelburga and St Etheldreda.

We remembered the scholars of the 7th century who brought learning and education to both men and women, and St John Henry Newman whose own spiritual journey of conversion and prophetic sense of the nature of the Church had a profound influence on the 20th century leading up to the Second Vatican Council.

From the church we walked past the Tower of London, where so many Catholic martyrs met their fate during the Reformation, stopping to pray at the site of the scaffold where St John Fisher and St Thomas More were executed.

Our next stop was Mary Moorfields, the only Catholic Church in the City of London. From here we walked to the Charterhouse, once a Carthusian priory and home to the first martyrs of the Reformation. The Prior, St John Houghton and Companions were hung and quartered for refusing to take the Oath of Supremacy. Watching from his cell window, St Thomas More witnessed the monks being dragged on hurdles from the Tower of London on 4 May 1535. He is said to have admired their courage and faith as they went to their deaths, viewing them as "Cheerfully going to their deaths as bridegrooms going to their marriage."

From here we walked to St Etheldreda's, Ely Place, one of the oldest Catholic churches in London. Built around 1250 as the town chapel for the bishops of Ely. After the Reformation It had several owners . For a a time it was used by the Spanish ambassador as a private chapel. During Oliver Cromwell's Commonwealth, it was used as a prison and a hospital. The Rosminians bought St Etheldreda's in 1874 and have restored it beautifully.

As we were walking during Laudato Si' Week, pilgrim leader Colette Joyce invited pilgrims to reflect on the flora and fauna of London on our way. London is a surprisingly green city, blessed with around twenty percent tree coverage - which makes it technically a forest! We are especially grateful to the Victorians who planted the ubiquitous London Plane trees which can be found in streets and parks all over the city, while there are more than 400 other species of tree to discover.

"The entire material universe speaks of God's love, his boundless affection for us. Soil, water, mountains: everything is, as it were, a caress of God… contemplation of creation allows us to discover in each thing a teaching which God wishes to hand on to us." (Laudato Si', 84-85)

After a stop at Corpus Christi Church in Covent Garden - where former parish priest Fr Francis Stanfield wrote Sweet Sacrament Divine and Mgr Ronald Knox preached his famous homilies on the Blessed Sacrament - we made our way down the Strand, past Traflagar Square, through Whitehall, down to Westminster Cathedral.

On our arrival, we weary walkers were greeted by the Cathedral Dean, Fr Slawomir Witoń. We ended our pilgrimage with prayers in the Martyrs Chapel and a reflection from Fr Slawomir on the life and witness of St John Southworth, patron saint of clergy in the Diocese of Westminster. The pilgrims received the final stamp in their Pilgrim Passports and a blessing before returning home.

Colette Joyce, Westminster Diocese Justice and Peace Co-Ordinator

Read more about the Westminster Way: https://westminsterjusticeandpeace.org/2025/06/02/walking-the-westminster-way/

This article was first published on Independent Catholic News: Independent Catholic News

Image: Pilgrims at Westminster Cathedral (Archdiocese of Westminster)

The Psychology of Pilgrimage: Walking through the Somme and Gallipoli battlefield

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 13:17:31 GMT

I was delighted to be invited by Dr Heather Warfield to contribute to her Psychology of Pilgrimage podcast.

We discussed my pilgrimages to Rome and Istanbul, and particularly my walks through the Great War battlefields of the Somme and Gallipoli. I had great uncles who fought in these campaigns and these walks were important parts of my pilgrimage experience. I was also able to share my reasons for setting up the Hearts in Search of God project, and for organising the national Jubilee walking Pilgrimage of Hope . It was a great pleasure to talk with Heather.

The Psychology of Pilgrimage podcast invites you to embark on an extraordinary journey that explores pilgrimages in all forms, amplifies the voices of pilgrims, and communes at the crossroads of scholarship and practice. Episodes are published on Tuesdays. More details at www.youtube.com/@PsychologyofPilgrimage

Phil McCarthy, Hearts in Search of God project lead

WeBelieve Festival

Fri, 30 May 2025 13:38:09 GMT

The Hearts in Search of God project is delighted to be part of the WeBelieve Festival between 25th to 28th July 2025 at Oscott College in Birmingham!

WeBelieve is a feast of Catholic faith, ‘ever ancient, ever new’. The festival programme is drawn from the rich traditions of the Church and the legacy of a pivotal network of evangelists. WeBelieve is a Festival of Catholic Life celebrating the Jubilee Year of Hope. The Festival is gathering the whole Church to celebrate our faith in Jesus. Its a brand new event and and you are invited to be part of it.

Some years ago now, Pope Francis gave us a new perspective when he encouraged us to realise that “we are not living an era of change but a change of era.”. This sentiment echos through the organisers' efforts in creating WeBelieve, and shapes the vision that they carry into the project. Their goal is to create a festival pointing this generation and the next towards truth, beauty, and goodness. And so, with prayer at the centre of our work, it is hoped that this annual festival may be a place to encounter Christ in this new era.

Alongside the many other events and experiences there will be the opportunity to take part in a short walking pilgrimage around the College grounds.

While WeBelieve a collaboration of many ministries in the Church, it is thanks to the initiative and generosity of The Guild of Our Lady of Ransom that this festival is taking place. WeBelieve is organised and managed by Peter's House and St Mary's College, Oscott.

For more information and for tickets please visit: https://www.webelievefestival.com/

NB Sale of Early Bird Tickets ends on Saturday 31st May!

On the Way of St Francis

Fri, 30 May 2025 08:34:46 GMT

The pilgrimage from La Verna to Assisi and Rome was the last in a series of walks Eddie Gilmore did with his wife, Yim Soon, and being on the Via di Francesco, the Way of Francis, held particular significance for them both.

The Sanctuary of La Verna was built on land gifted by a nobleman to Francis in 1213 on the remote and craggy mountaintop site of Monte Penna. At more than 1,000 metres of altitude, the views over the valleys below and to the Tuscan Appennines all around are truly breathtaking. What struck me equally was the incredible quality of the birdsong in the forested area just above the sanctuary. Very appropriate too in view of the classic image of St Francis (one we have on the wall in our bedroom in fact) apparently communicating with the birds! It was a special place indeed. We went into a couple of the caves where Francis would spend up to forty days in prayer. I couldn’t imagine staying there for even forty minutes, they were so cold and damp! La Verna was also the place where Francis received the stigmata in 1224, and a long corridor of frescoes marks the event.

We were in the basilica at 7.30 a.m. for the nicely sung lauds service with the resident Franciscan community, at the end of which we and the other pilgrims present were given a blessing by one of the friars. If I understood his Italian properly, I think he told us that this would be the most beautiful moment of our lives and he also prayed that we would receive strength when we got tired! Breakfast followed, and then, rucksacks on backs, we were on our way. Almost the wrong way! I nearly led us down the mountain and back towards Florence but an Italian man kindly put us right. I often say to people that getting a bit lost now and again is all part of the pilgrim experience!

To my surprise, in view of how high up we already were, the path ascended steeply for the first kilometre or two. Later on, it descended steeply. And that’s pretty much how it was for those nine days to Assisi; up and down, up and down: in pilgrimage, as it is in life generally! But what treasures we found at the top of those mountains, whether it be attractive fortified towns or remote hermitages. We came to one such hermitage, the Eremo di Cerbaiolo, on the morning of our second day. This site, built onto the side of a steep granite ridge, was gifted to Francis by local priests in 1217 and he installed there a community of friars. Nowadays, it’s tended to by Carlos, a Camaldolese monk, who greeted us when we arrived, huffing and puffing, at the door. With its central cloister, the gentle sound of Gregorian chant being played in the little old church, and the specular views, not to mention the birdsong, the sense of peace and harmony was palpable.

After a week on the trail we came to a hermitage where we got to spend the night and what a night it was. The Eremo di San Pietro in Vignetto no longer has a resident hermit. Rather it is run as a ‘donativo’ pilgrim hostel by the Confraternity of St James. Members of that organisation have walked the Camino to Santiago in Spain and, following an ages old pilgrimage tradition, they come back as hospitaleros, volunteers, to help other pilgrims. We’d arrived at the remote fifteenth century church and attached buildings in the hills to find a group of people finishing lunch at a long table out in the courtyard. Now, one of the things I enjoy doing on pilgrimage is meeting interesting characters from different countries and hearing their story, and another thing I enjoy doing on pilgrimage is eating with them! To my delight, Yim Soon and I were given seats at the table by Sofia, a friendly young Italian woman who then put plates of food in front of us, as well as a generous carafe of white wine (which was frequently replenished). Shortly afterwards there appeared Marius from Berlin who was on the first day of his pilgrimage and who we had met that morning on the path. He was also presented by Sofia with food and wine.

It was a long lunch! Pilgrims came and went but the animated conversation kept going throughout, and in a variety of languages, and there was lots of laughter. The final touch from Sofia was what she called the ‘holy wine!’ It was fortified, like sherry, and it was delicious. Marius retreated to his bed in the dormitory where we would also be sleeping and emerged a couple of hours later to declare with a smile, “It’s only my first day and I’m drunk already!” He didn’t know what was coming later in the day!

The main hospitalero was a larger-than-life character called Luigi who was the father of Sofia. He was fascinated by my Irish/British background and brought me to the kitchen to make me a proper cup of tea made with real tea leaves. He was keen to tell me about his time living in “Swinging London” in the early 70s when, he declared, he used to wear 15cm high platform boots! Later he began to cook for those of us who would be staying the night, and we were invited to help. Before dinner, he led a most touching ceremony in the chapel; a prayerful, intimate space which had on the wall behind the altar the original large fresco. He shared with us how the Camino had changed his life. He had also had an insight that I’ve had too through being a pilgrim, that we can be happy with very little. Then he got down on his knees and washed the feet of each of us in turn. The meal that followed was a true feast. The starter was something that Italians eat on Easter Sunday morning to break the fast of Lent. Describing it as bread with cheese or prosciutto and smothered in olive oil doesn’t really do it justice, it was so tasty. As was the main course which was a spicy minestrone. Dessert was Amaretti biscuits with berries on top and covered in a rich red berry sauce. And, as at lunch, there was a selection of wines, including the ‘holy wine.’ For the final flourish, Luigi produced not just one or two but three bottles of strong content! There was the traditional clear grappa, there was the Amaretto that Yim Soon and I had been given on a previous night by a lovely, friendly woman called Ophelia, and there was one that Luigi proclaimed was the true digestif! It would have been rude to refuse…

Two days after that memorable night at the Eremo di San Pietro we made it to Assisi. Yim Soon had first gone to that striking hilltop town in 1987 when travelling in Europe. Francis is her favourite saint and when she became a Catholic she took the confirmation name of Clare who was a close companion of Francis and who founded the order of Poor Clares. She met in Assisi some people from L’Arche in France who invited her to visit, which she did. She liked it there but didn’t speak French so was sent to the L’Arche community in London, then in 1989 she came to be part of L’Arche in Canterbury, where I had arrived the year before. I met her on her first day!

It was special, then, to be going to Assisi together but, as is often the case for me, the arrival at a pilgrimage destination is rather an anti-climax and I struggle with the tension between being a pilgrim and being a tourist. Assisi was packed with tourists and it was especially busy and noisy because of the Calendimaggio, the four-day May festival, where large numbers of locals dress up in medieval costumes and throw flags around and bang loudly on drums! After the peace and quiet of the path through the mountains I just couldn’t cope with it! What’s more, the centre of the town (and therefore all the restaurants) was temporarily closed off due to the festival. I was hungry and I was stressed and, as the sound of the drums got louder and louder, I had a complete meltdown just outside (of all places!) the Basilica di Santa Chiara, (built on the site of San Giorgio where Clare first heard Francis preach)! I strode away from the noise to an area where there was a line of trees. From the top of one of those trees there came the most beautiful birdsong. I stood for a few seconds and listened and it was so healing. I thought again of St Francis and the birds. Then I went back to Yim Soon and was relieved to see that the streets had been unblocked and we were able to find something to eat. Saved by the birds…

I felt like a new man the next day and it all began with a communal meal. Lovani from Brazil was our lovely hospitalera in the pilgrim hostel, Laudato Si. Like Luigi she had had a profound experience walking the Camino and was coming to Assisi for a month “to give something back.” She had invited us to a simple breakfast in the hospitalera kitchen. Yim Soon and I and Marius were the first ones there with Lovani, plus Italian Paula, an equally lovely woman who had just completed her stint as a hospitalera and would be leaving that day. They had prepared real Italian coffee, with hot milk for those (like me!) who like caffé latte. To go with it there was crispbread and jam and biscuits, and the most delightful conversation in a wonderful hybrid of Italian, German and English. Marius had some great Camino stories. The best was from his time on the Camino del Norte in Spain where he was asked on the forms in the hostels to state his profession and he used to write something different every day! Once he declared himself to be an astronaut! Another time he wrote that he was the mystery son of the famous Italian film director Federico Fellini! I managed to explain in my basic Italian about my struggles the night before but how this simple shared breakfast with its heart-touching fellowship had been a taste of paradise.

Yim Soon and I had an enjoyable day in that special town, which has such a central place in our own story. It included a visit to San Damiano, where Francis heard the crucified Christ telling him to ‘rebuild my house.’ It’s also where Clare established her first community of sisters. It’s a peaceful, prayerful place and I was especially moved in a room dedicated to the Canticle of the Sun which was written by Francis in 1225. It’s a song of praise to all creation, and addressed to ‘Brother sun, Sister moon, Brother wind, Sister water…,’ and I was interested to read how Francis had written it at a very dark period in his life.

After several hours of being part pilgrim/part tourist I needed to go back to our room for a bit of peace and quiet. But this room for our second night in Assisi was overlooking the square of San Giacomo, where preparations were underway (including drumming practice!) for that night’s instalment of the Calendimaggio. In the end I just decided to go with the flow and enjoy that incredible spectacle. And that entailed being woken up at half past midnight by what sounded like an explosion! In that square just below our window, braziers and torches had been lit, drummers were drumming, and there was a vast procession of people in medieval dress dancing towards the cathedral of San Giacomo. And outside the cathedral there was the erection of a gigantic maypole. It was simply amazing.

The remainder of our pilgrimage, which ended in Rome, wasn’t quite as spectacular as that. But there were plenty more special moments and there was lots more warm hospitality. The night after Assisi, the elderly Franciscan sisters at the Convento Piccolo San Damiano gave us a meal and a bed and a breakfast which included Panettone bread which is eaten at Christmas, and which I love. One of the nuns had declared it to be ‘Festa di bambini,’ feast of the children. Marius, who had once lived in Italy, declared to us when we told him about it later that the Italians can make a feast out of anything!

Another warm Franciscan welcome was at the Convento di San Giacomo which is high up in the mountains above the small town of Poggio Bustone. This sanctuary has a little chapel built onto the mountainside. It’s another place where Francis liked to pray and it’s where he had a revelation that all his sins were forgiven, also that his order of friars would grow throughout the world. Highlights there for me were meeting Fra. Renzo and his forty cats (all of whom are named after characters in ‘Lord of the Rings!’) and the meal in the kitchen shared with Marius and two other German pilgrims we got to know on the way: Uli and Tabea, who kindly cooked for us. The views as well down over the valley were, again, utterly breath taking.

It’s not Franciscan as such but I can recommend to any pilgrim a stay at Il Refugio di Noi which is about three days from Rome. It’s the lovely home of a lovely family, Simona and Filippo and their sons, and they open their doors to pilgrims, who are invited to join the family for their evening meal. It was out on the terrace next to a fragrant honeysuckle and besides Yim Soon and I there were a couple of Italian pilgrims (one of whom was especially passionate about football and was teasing the younger son about being a Juventus fan when living close to Rome!), and a Japanese man Taka who had already walked to Rome from Lucca and was walking back to La Verna. There was delicious food (the final course being strawberries in red wine, sprinkled with chocolate, that might even have had the edge on Luigi’s dessert!), there was sparkling conversation, and as well as the wine there was a digestif to, literally, finish us off! Just like at Luigi’s donativo hermitage, it was like a scene from a Camino film. And I was so grateful, and felt so blessed, to be a character in it!

Yes, we can truly be happy with very little. But a good meal shared with interesting fellow-pilgrims helps as well!

Buon Cammino!

Eddie Gilmore is a Hearts in Search of God project collaborator.

For more about Eddie and his books click here .

The Hearts in Search of God Spring Newsletter

Tue, 20 May 2025 10:48:34 GMT

Dear Friend

Welcome to the Spring 2025 Hearts in Search of God Project newsletter.

Pope Francis: an authentic pilgrim of hope

Pilgrims of every continent, culture and religious tradition will have been saddened to hear of the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday 2025. He has been an inspiration for so many of us and the title of this project comes from his words. An appreciation of this wonderful pilgrim pope can be found here: https://www.pilgrimways.org.uk/pope-francis-an-authentic-pilgrim-of-hope

The 2025 National Walking Pilgrimage of Hope

The theme of the 2025 Jubilee is ‘pilgrims of hope’ and this has inspired a national walking pilgrimage with four main Ways converging at the Cathedral of St Barnabas, Nottingham, on Saturday 13th September 2025, for shared prayer and celebration. The four main Ways start at the Catholic cathedrals in Cardiff, Leeds, Norwich and London, and will bless our nations with a Sign of the Cross and with the Gospels. The routes use established hiking routes and are off road as much as possible. A small group of 4-6 'perpetual pilgrims' will walk the full distance of each Way, and up to 20 day pilgrims will be able to join for stages. Stretches which are suitable for wheelchairs and buggies will be identified. There will be opportunities for non-walkers to provide enroute support, hospitality and prayer. There are possible feeder routes to the four main Ways from all the other Catholic cathedrals of England & Wales for keen long-distance walkers, so people from every diocese can participate.

We still have space for one more perpetual pilgrim on the western St Matthew's Way, so if you are interested you can find more information at: https://www.pilgrimways.org.uk/national-pilgrims-of-hope-walking-pilgrimage

Registration for day pilgrims will open in late May or early June and a notification email will be sent then.

Resources

There are resources on the website for pilgrimage including a new one on:

Walking pilgrimage, care for creation and the common good .

News and stories

Thanks to all those who have contributed news and stories over the last few months. Topics include:

Holy Places: How pilgrimage changed the world Pilgrimage is a journey that goes beyond mere travel; it's a profound quest for spiritual growth, self-discovery, and connection. A new book by Kathryn Hurlock explores this theme.
Psychology of Pilgrimage Pilgrimages are growing around the world, weaving a tapestry of transformation, introspection, and adventure. But what fuels this timeless human practice? Psychology of Pilgrimage, a new podcast hosted by Dr Heather Warfield, invites you to embark on an extraordinary journey that explores pilgrimages in all forms.
Called to Prayer on the Lycian Way Having done the Camino to Santiago de Compostela a few months ago, Eddie Gilmore walked the Lycian Way along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey with his wife. Eddie reflects on what the difference might be between an ancient pilgrimage route and a long-distance hike.
Why attend the annual LMS Walsingham pilgrimage Thomas Colsy explains why the annual Latin Mass Society Walsingham walking pilgrimage is such an important experience for him.
In the Footsteps of St Paul While walking the Lycian Way Eddie Gilmore and his wife Yim Soon found they were walking in the footsteps of St Paul.
Holy Family Leicester Jubilee Lent Cross Pilgrimage Christina Mottram describes an annual cross-carrying walk of witness in Leicester.
A Pilgrimage from Norwich to Walsingham Sharon Sewell shares her story of a walk from Norwich Anglican Cathedral to Walsingham along the Walsingham Way.
Buried Treasure Was St Patrick born in Somerset? James Bruce undertook a St Patrick's Day pilgrimage to Banwell to find out!
A Pilgrimage along the Whiting Way : Anne Bailey shares a video of her pilgrimage along the Whiting Way, the Hearts in Search of God pilgrim way for the Diocese of Clifton.

Events

John Bradburne Memorial Society Annual Pilgrimage The Annual John Bradburne Memorial Society Annual Pilgrimage in Cumbria will take place on 6th September 2025.
Walk the beautiful St Cuthbert’s Way to Holy Island with Stella Maris Join Tim Hill MBE, CEO of Stella Maris, and Deacon Joe O’Donnell, Senior Area Port Chaplain, on a 5-night, 6-day pilgrimage marking the Jubilee Year of Hope.
CrossWalk Pilgrimages Lent 2025 The CrossWalk initiative mission is to walk in faith together, praying for peace and acting for peace. Walks were held in March and April 2025.
The St Wulstan Southern Way is a walking pilgrimage tracing St. Wulstan’s life and legacy, from Worcester Cathedral, where he served as bishop, to Clifton Cathedral in Bristol, where he often travelled. This seven-day pilgrimage, held from May 22 to May 28, 2025, is part of the Catholic Church’s Year of Jubilee celebrations, themed Pilgrims of Hope. It invites participants to explore their faith while journeying through stunning landscapes and historic locations.
Help the Catholic Children's Society (Plymouth) to support families of all faiths and none through our grant giving, practical parenting skills and help in times of loss. This year's event is being held at St Cuthbert Mayne in Launceston on Thursday, 29 May 2025. I was delighted to be invited to speak to the meeting about pilgrimage and look forward to the event.

Feedback on the Diocesan Ways

I would be grateful for any feedback you have about the Ways, and especially any route updates and changes . After your pilgrimage remember to download your certificate of completion .

If you have a story or a pilgrim resource or event to share, please contact me through the website.

Please feel free to share his newsletter with people who may be interested. I hope you enjoy the website, designed by the wonderful people at Everyday Christian Marketing.

Wishing you every blessing and joy as we start the Jubilee year, during which we can become ‘pilgrims of hope’.

Buen camino!

Phil McCarthy, Project Lead

A Pilgrimage along the Whiting Way

Mon, 12 May 2025 10:13:21 GMT

On a cloudless morning in July 2023 I headed out of Clifton Cathedral, over the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and up into open countryside with a small group of pilgrims. We were the first walkers to step out onto the Whiting Way, a pilgrim path between Clifton and Glastonbury, one of 22 routes that form part of the ‘Hearts in Search of God’ project.

Together with Phil McCarthy, the ‘Hearts in Search of God’ founder, we were about to embark on a three-day hike that, over 37 miles, would see us journey through pretty villages, conquer some not insubstantial hills, marvel at spectacular views, pass by one of England’s finest cathedrals, stroll along verdant Somerset lanes, brave torrential showers, and finally make the breathless climb up Glastonbury Tor.

Along the way there was time for prayers, conversation, conviviality at wayside watering holes, and the partaking of refreshments generously provided by kindly hosts. There was also time for an al fresco fish-and-chip supper at Chew Magna at the end of Day One before those of us who were roughing it (like ‘true’ pilgrims?) lay down our sleeping bags on a hard church-hall floor.

All this is captured in my short, 3-minute video that follows our journey from Clifton to Chew Magna, then to Wells, and onwards for the final clamber up Glastonbury Tor. The walk completed, we sat with our backs to the iconic church tower – all that remains of the medieval church dedicated to St Michael the Archangel – and looked down over the Somerset Levels and the rolling green fields stretching into the distance.

As you can see from the video, we weren’t alone. Picnicking families, groups of chatting friends, and young couples taking selfies were scattered here and there on the summit enjoying the view, the sunshine, and the welcoming breeze. It seemed such a peaceful, benevolent landscape that it was hard to imagine the scene that unfolded on this very same spot six centuries earlier. For it was here, on a bleak November day in 1539, where Somerset’s last abbot, Richard Whiting, met his death on the groaning gallows at the behest of Henry VIII.

Times have moved on, and Richard Whiting is largely unknown to those who come to Glastonbury seeking Arthurian legends, New Age wisdom, and earth mysteries. Still, walking a pilgrim route that carries his name is one way of ensuring he’s not forgotten.

Anne Bailey is a research associate at the History Faculty at Oxford University. She has longstanding interest in pilgrimage.

Her Pilgrimage YouTube channel can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/@DrAnneEBailey-df4pr/videos

'Rise to Our Cause' this Ascension Thursday !

Wed, 07 May 2025 08:04:09 GMT

Help the Catholic Children's Society (Plymouth) to support families of all faiths and none through our grant giving, practical parenting skills and help in times of loss.

Following the success of our two previous CCSP Ascension Day fundraisers, this year's event is being held at St Cuthbert Mayne in Launceston on Thursday, 29 May 2025. The event will start with Holy Mass in the church at 12.30pm, followed by a two-course hot lunch and then our Guest Speaker. We are delighted that Phil McCarthy, the Hearts in Search of God project lead, will be joining us who will describe his own walking pilgrimages to Rome and Istanbul and reflect on what it means to be a pilgrim of hope in this Jubilee year.

Tickets cost £15 and can be ordered by -

emailing vicki.dunstone@ccsplymouth.org.uk
calling the CCSP office on 01364 645420
visiting the Parish Office at St Cuthbert Mayne, 21 Mayne Close, St Stephen's Hill, Launceston, Cornwall, PL15 8XQ

All proceeds from this event including a raffle, will go towards helping vulnerable children and families living in the Plymouth Diocese.

For more information about Catholic Children's Society (Plymouth) visit www.ccsplymouth.org.uk

Join the Saint Wulstan Southern Way Catholic Pilgrimage!

Tue, 06 May 2025 10:10:01 GMT

Walk, talk, pray, celebrate on the Saint Wulstan Southern Way Catholic Pilgrimage from Thursday 22nd May 2025 to Wednesday 28th May!

The St Wulstan Southern Way is a special pilgrimage route tracing St. Wulstan’s life and legacy, from Worcester Cathedral, where he served as bishop, to Clifton Cathedral in Bristol, where he often travelled. This seven-day pilgrimage, held from May 22 to May 28, 2025, is part of the Catholic Church’s Year of Jubilee celebrations, themed Pilgrims of Hope. It invites participants to explore their faith while journeying through stunning landscapes and historic locations.

The pilgrimage includes Worcester Cathedral, the heart of St. Wulstan’s ministry, and passes over the Malvern Hills to St. Wulstan Catholic Church in Little Malvern, where Sir Edward Elgar is buried. Following scenic trails like the Three Choirs Way and Geopark Way, it winds through Newent and Gloucester, before joining the Cotswold Way near Painswick. Pilgrims visit historic spots like St. Mary of the Virgin Church in Hawkesbury, where the famous goose-cooking incident involving St. Wulstan occurred. This journey combines spiritual reflection with a walk through rich history and breath-taking countryside, making it a unique way to honour St. Wulstan’s enduring influence.

You can:

Walk the whole length of the Pilgrimage over 7 days as a perpetual pilgrim.
Walk one, or some of the 7 days as a day walker.
Host, drive, prepare meals, or pray to support the pilgrims.
Take part in the pilgrimage by coach on 28th May (details below)

Visit to Clifton Cathedral and St Mary's Hawkesbury - Wednesday 28th May

This is part of the Saint Wulstan Pastoral Area Pilgrimage. Transport is being organised to enable parishioners to visit the beautiful rural Church of St Mary's Hawkesbury, which is just outside our pastoral area, and then on to Clifton Cathedral. We will be welcomed at Clifton Cathedral with tea/biscuits. Then we will be able to reflect at the Pilgrim Stations before celebrating a Vigil Mass for the Ascension at 5pm.

There will be two coaches:

Gloucester Coach - pick up points at Cinderford Dockham Rd at 12:10pm, Bruton Way Gloucester at 12:45pm, Tuffley Lane at 13:00pm.
Stroud Coach - pick up points at Stroud at 12:30pm, Stonehouse at 12:45pm, Dursley 13:10pm.

The return journey leaves Clifton Cathedral at 17:45.

It would be helpful if travellers could please have the correct change for payment which will be collected on the coach on the day £8.50 for adults and £3 for children under 16 years. Please sign up on the notice board in your church, before Monday 19th May, thank you.

For more information click the button below.

Buried Treasure

Fri, 02 May 2025 13:08:22 GMT

This is what Yahweh asks of you, only this: that you act justly, that you love tenderly, that you walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8 informed the activities of a small charity, the Movement for Faith and Justice Today , based at 1B Sydenham Road in central Bristol from 1995 to 2010. Living at 1B in the summer of 2006, I happened to be making heavy work of giving up smoking. I'd just finished praying a novena to St Rita of Cascia, patron saint of impossible cases, when Adrian, a housemate, told me about an incident in a nearby parish. A meeting of the St Vincent de Paul Society was being organised, and someone needed to contact the parish sister. When they tried her mobile phone, one of the digits was wrong. But the person on the other end said they knew 'Sr Mary', as she was their child's godmother, and gave the caller the correct number. It was a God-incidence, and it partly inspired me to successfully kick my habit.

In those days I felt St Patrick was probably originally from Portishead. This belief was unsupported by any evidence, but the general idea wasn't bad. Formidably exhaustive recent scholarship suggests he very likely did come from somewhere near one of the seaside resorts on the Bristol Channel coast. It's no longer safe to assume that attempts to identify his home turf are like pinning the tail on the donkey.

That isn't to pretend that a thick crust of folklore and mythology hasn't attached itself to Patrick over the centuries. Yet some people might be surprised to learn that modern historians freely accept the authenticity of his two surviving written works. The autobiographical Confessio and the Letter to the soldiers of Coroticus tick all the right boxes in the way they've come down to us, as well as in terms of their style and overall narrative coherence. Crucially, they are also fully in tune with known contemporary events. In other words, they contain everything one could hope to find in the mid-fifth century writings of a successful missionary Bishop of Ireland. According to the Confessio :

"My name is Patrick. I am a sinner, a simple country person, and the least of all believers. I am looked down upon by many. My father was Calpornius. He was a deacon; his father was Potitus, a priest, who lived at Bannavem Taburniae. His home was near there, and that is where I was taken prisoner. I was about sixteen at the time... I was taken into captivity in Ireland, along with thousands of others."

Developing a hypothesis first put forward by author James Hunt in the 1960s, Harry Jelley made the case for Banwell near Weston-Super-Mare. Careful examination of the placename occupies a sizeable chunk of his 1998 book, 'Saint Patrick's Somerset Birthplace'. Jelley also noted that the correct venue had to be in an area of recognised villa settlement and susceptible to seaborne raiding from the west.

Independently, Professor Andrew Breeze catalogued his own reasons 'to locate the villula of Calpornius on the plain north-west of the Mendips in the vicinity of Banwell'. His paper 'St Patrick's Birthplace' was published by the Welsh Journal of Religious History in 2008. After restating his core argument in the English Historical Review in 2013, Breeze appears to have discovered Harry Jelley's work. 'Somerset, Bannaventa Tabernae, and the Dates of St Patrick' appeared in the peer-reviewed Journal for Late Antique Religion and Culture in 2023. The following extract from the opening paragraph is remarkable for its lack of equivocation.

"When so much on St Patrick is uncertain, it is good to say that one problem is now solved. The local historian Harry Jelley in the 1990s analysed the famous (and notorious) phrase at the beginning of Patrick's Confessio , where he describes his father, 'qui fuit vico Bannavem Taburniae, villulam enim prope habuit, ubi ego capturam dedi': in English: 'who lived at Bannaventa Tabernae, because he had a small estate nearby, where I was taken prisoner.' Jelley identified the saint's home of (emended) Bannaventa Tabernae ('marketplace by a hill and with an inn') as Banwell, a village near Weston-Super-Mare, North Somerset. He later set out the case in a book. The upshot is clear. Patrick came from a prosperous and thoroughly Romanized part of Britain. It had many villas and was close to the civilized amenities of Bath."

Having read Prof Breeze's article online earlier this year, I had the idea of making a pilgrimage to Banwell. My plan would be to take a train on Monday 17th March from Bristol to Weston-Super-Mare. Adrian had moved to Weston a few years before, so we agreed to meet up at Corpus Christi RC Church for mid-morning Mass; though soon afterwards he had to cancel, as his cousin was coming for a rare visit that day. All was not lost however. On Sunday 16th he suggested we meet up in the afternoon, to make what in 2006 we would have called an SVP visit.

The surname of Corpus Christi's parish priest is uncannily similar to the real name of Yate-born fresco-sprayer Banksy, whose work is derived from that of Parisian artist 'Blek le Rat'. In his homily for St Patrick's Day, Canon Tom Gunning quoted a passage in the Confessio :

“...before I was brought low, I was like a stone lying deep in the mud. Then He who is powerful came and in His mercy pulled me out, and lifted me up and placed me on the very top of the wall.”

On the seafront a stone's throw from Corpus Christi is a theme park called 'Pirate Adventureland'. And not many stepping stones in the other direction, a private residence I passed had a row of perennially nodding little figurines in the window, including an Irish leprechaun. Chintzy old stereotypes like these have contributed perhaps to the climate in which it was once said that '...in Patrician studies, no stone has been left unthrown'. Moreover that remark was reportedly made as long ago as 1961. In 1998, Jelley's theory was greeted by a headline in the Glasgow Herald that was jagged and projectile-like in the extreme. 'St Patrick was English, claims author'. No one says Patrick was English. He was Romano-British; or in the patois of the first Angles and Saxons who settled areas remote from Somerset, decades after Patrick was born, Welsh. Incidentally though, since he established the authority of Rome in a land hitherto untouched by imperial rule, it's hard to think of anyone more deserving of the honorific title 'Last of the Romans'.

Another sight on my walk inland was the forlorn-looking hulk of the passenger ferry 'Bristol Queen', built in Dumbarton on the Clyde in 1938. In 2008 Professor Breeze looked at the contention that Patrick was from the same part of the world. Efforts to make the evidence fit this credo are hampered by the fact that north and north-western Britain were military zones, all but devoid of Roman villas. Patrick also tells us his father was a decurion; a type of town councillor for which no one had any use north of Hadrian's Wall. Furthermore, the relative tranquillity of Patrick's native environment is highlighted in the observation that "despite the chaos of Britain about the year 400, Patrick returned home years later to find his family still there."

Getting lost on the way out of Weston, I didn't reach Banwell until 2pm. In St Andrew's Church I prayed to St Patrick before climbing Wint Hill, where the site of a Roman villa was indicated on a map in my copy of Harry Jelley's book. But I'd been told it was on private land. All I could apparently do therefore was hold my camera above the level of the hedge and try to get one or two lopsided photos. It was then I noticed a gentleman standing on the other side of a nearby wall. Asking him about the villa, he pointed me to a patch of ground in the field where he'd just been walking his dog. I could tramp around among bits of half-submerged masonry, easy to imagine as remnants of late Roman building work.

There was little time for much else. At 3.15 I caught the bus back to Weston train station, where Adrian was waiting. In his car we discussed other things, as I intended to save the explanation of my Banwell pilgrimage until we'd reached our mutual friend in Bristol. And that was quite interesting. When I showed them the book I had with me, Adrian said that Jelley was his cousin's maiden name.

James Bruce is a pilgrim and writer who raises funds and awareness for school-feeding charity Mary's Meals: http://www.marysmeals.org.uk

A Pilgrimage from Norwich to Walsingham

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 10:17:35 GMT

Sharon Sewell walked from Norwich Anglican Cathedral to Walsingham along the Walsingham Way. This is her story.

Norwich to Drayton

I began my pilgrimage by collecting my way marker that can be found in the Cathedral Shop, which opens at 9am. From there, I made my way to the Marriott's Way. The directions were confusing as way markers were fairly sparce. I think I found two (and another which had been partially picked off the post by some bright spark). However, if you go through the arch in front of the Cathedral and walk to the right, crossing the road and continuing down Wensum Street, passing over the bridge, you will eventually come to a road sign Colgate, where you take a left. Continue along Colgate, turning right at Duke Street. Walk Down Duke Street until you come to a crossroads and take a left onto St Mary Plain. When you come to a T junction, turn right onto Oak Street and then left onto New Mills Yard. You then come to Riverside Walk, where you bear right onto a pleasant walk alongside the river. You then cross the main road and take a left beside the roundabout. This leads you to Marriott's Way.

Marriot's Way runs along an old railway line. Many people use it as a means of walking or cycling to Drayton. I found that it was used by cyclists, families and dog walkers and felt quite safe. The beginning of the way was more industrial, with housing and an industrial site on its sidelines. These then petered out into the countryside, leaving the city behind. There are opportunities to take a woodland walk to the right, which brings you back onto the Marriot way. Later, a nature reserve can be visited on the left. At Drayton, The Red Lion Public House is close by for refreshments as are several shops. Beyond the Red Lion is St Margaret's Church.

Drayton to Ringland

From St Margaret's church, head back, past the Red Lion and cross the Fakenham road. Head up the hill at Taverham Road and there will be a Walsingham Way sign pointing to the right. This is also signed the Walsingham cycle route. Once again, you are following an old railway line. There are now fewer people but it feels safe and there are regular signs along the way. You travel for quite some time, through Thorpe Marriott and cross a bridge over the busy A1270 where you bear left. At a roundabout you will find a WW signpost instructing you to go straight ahead, parallel with the A1270. I began to think I had taken a wrong turn when I saw a closed gate ahead of me. However, once reaching the gate there is a WW sign that guides you into the woods where you head to the top of a hill. Here, the noise of the traffic lessens, and it is peaceful with shaded woods.

Coming down out of the woods, you cross the fairly busy Fakenham road and go straight onto a farm track. At the farm there is a private sign on the right, go left and look to your right where you will see a gate with a ww sign on it. This leads you across a pretty water meadow and to a wooden bridge where you cross over the River Wensum. Once across the field, walk along The Street towards Ringland. You will come to a fork in the road; remain on the right and you will enter Ringland. Once on the T junction with the main road in Ringland, a short detour to the left will take you to St Peter's church. To the right will allow you to continue along Ringland Lane which leads into Morton Lane. Continue through Easthaugh and onwards. On reaching Rectory Road, I took a detour towards Lyng, where St Margaret's Church can be found. Next to the Church is The Fox, where refreshment can be had. It has a garden which overlooks the church. Returning to Easthaugh Road, take a right and continue down the road. you will come to a T junction. Cross the road and follow the track through cool woods and then a pathway that ends on Heath Road where a left will take you Elsing. St Mary Church can be found at the end of Church Road.

I stayed at Bartles Lodge for the night. It is quiet and serves cooked breakfast. Dinner can be booked ahead, and you are welcome to take any items left on the buffet breakfast as pack up for the journey. I spent some time in contemplation, walking around the three fishing lakes on the grounds. Alternatively, I have since found that it is possible to sleep in the village hall, by arrangement. A waymark stamp is available at the church by arrangement with the Church Warden. This part of the walk, with a few detours registered at 29.63 km or 18.5 miles.

Elsing to Great Ryburgh

With your back to the Church, turn left and walk down Church Street, leading on to Elsing Road. Stay to the right at the triangle and continue on Elsing Road until you reach Swanton Morley, where you can find Darbys Pub for refreshment and Swanton Morley Stores for supplies. The B1147 is a busy road. All Saint's Church can be found by staying on the path opposite Darbys Pub and following the B1147 through the village. As you come out of the village, you will see All Saints Church on a small hill to the right. The church has a lot of information about the soldiers from Swanton Morely that died during World War 1. To continue your way, return to the path and cross the road to walk up Rectory Road, which faces you. This leads into Hannah Road and will take you out of the village. As you exit the village take a right up Primrose Lane, which leads you into the wide countryside. On a right-hand bend, where Primrose Lane becomes Primrose Hill, you will be guided onto a countryside track, which leads you across the fields and, eventually to Worthing Road. Take a right here. If you are wanting a rest, continue past the WW sign guiding you to the right and after a few metres, just around the corner, you will come to Swanton Morely Waterfalls. There is a small picnic field by the waterfalls that is open to the public,

If you visit the waterfalls, return to the WW sign you passed, that guides you along Worthing Road. This is quite a long road but is peaceful. After quite some time, you have the choice of taking a detour up Church Road to St Margaret Church Worthing, in which case you will need to return to this point or take the right bend and walk along the Worthing Road, which will lead you to a T junction with the B1145. If you follow this going left, it will lead you into North Elmham. In North Elmham there are places to eat and buy supplies. Take a right after the King's Head Hotel and you will pass North Elmham Stores and Elmham Tea Post, eventually coming to St Mary's Church. North Elmham Chapel is also worth a visit. Exiting North Elmham, there is the entrance to a gated path, next to a red telephone box. Further down the path you are guided across a field and back into the country. The exit gate leads to Great Heath Road where you bear right and then take the next left. This road is quiet When you reach a three-way junction, stay to the right and you will eventually join Mill Road, which will lead you into Great Ryburgh. The Blue Boar is no longer open, however, there is pilgrim accommodation next to St Andrews Church.

I stayed in the pilgrim accommodation and was warmly met with tea and cake by Anne, the Church Warden. Anne could not have been more generous, making sure I was fed and watered. There are cooking facilities and somewhere to wash. I thought I would be sleeping on the floor, but a camp bed was provided. The village hall is also made available, by arrangement, for larger groups. It is possible to get a waymark stamp from the church as it is made available in the church. Whilst collecting the waymark stamp, it is worth setting some time aside to look around St Andrews church which has a display regarding the meaning of being a pilgrim, soldiers from the village that gave up their lives in World War 1 and the architectural history of the church. This part of the walk registered at 19.69 km or 12.3 miles long,

Great Ryburgh to Walsingham.

Ryburgh is left via Bridge Road. Leave the church and turn right immediately before the Blue Boar. I took a detour at the next left signposted 'cemetery'. At the top of the hill, there are the remains of Little Ryburgh medieval parish church, which was used until the mid-1700s. Each Easter Sunday morning, a service is still held around the angel. Returning back to the route, take a left, along Bridge Road and this will eventually go over the A1067. Almost opposite and to the left, you are guided to a quieter road. As you corner to the left there is a right of way, the other side of the hedge (apparently many people miss this). On exiting the right of way, you enter Stibbard. At Stibbard is All Saints church. Continue with All Saints church to you right for some time. You will reach Pedlar's lane on the right. Take a left here on a track that will lead you through vast, open fields. The track ends with a rather large house in front of you. A few meters to the left are the ruins of an old church, taken over by nature. It is to the right that the route continues until a road is reached. This road and the WW way markers guide you through Croxton into Little Snoring, where you will find Saint Andrews Church with its round tower which is mainly 11th Century and is separate from the church. The church was enclosed in the perimeter of the air base during World War 2 and was used as the base chapel.

Return to the road from Saint Andrews Church and continue along Little Snoring Road. You will eventually cross over the river Stiffkey. Continue along the road and go straight over at the crossroads into The Street at Great Snoring. The Church of st Mary the Virgin will be passed on the left . Continue along The Street and take a left onto Barsham Road. You will the be guided onto a right of way on the right, next to a footpath which will continue on to the Fakenham Road. The Fakenham Road can be quite busy and another right of way, behind the hedge allows safe passage along Fakenham Road. At the time of writing, the passage was becoming overgrown but was passable, bringing you out further along the Fakenham Road. Just before some private ruins is Blind Dick's Lane on the left. This lane is quieter than the main road. A right turn will then take you along Back Lane and into Walsingham. This part of the walk registered at 19.18 km or 12 miles.

Sharon Sewell

NB Sharon walked the Walsingham Way. The Hearts in Search of God route from Norwich to Walsingham can be found here: The Way of the Annunciation

Pope Francis: an authentic pilgrim of hope

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:41:26 GMT

Pilgrims of every continent, culture and religious tradition will have been saddened to hear of the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday 2025. He has been an inspiration for so many of us.

In 2016 he said of pilgrims:

“Whoever they may be — young or old, rich or poor, sick and troubled or curious tourists — let them find due welcome, because in every person there is a heart in search of God, at times without being fully aware of it.” [1]

He inspired this project, and its title comes from his words.

Pope Francis recognised that we are all on a search for meaning and purpose in our lives, whatever our backgrounds, however we are wounded or broken, and despite the baggage we carry. As pope his own pilgrimage took him to the margins: to Lampedusa to bring hope to migrants, to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan to seek peace, to Turkey to deepen interfaith dialogue, and to many other places where human dignity is violated or threatened. He was not afraid to travel as a vulnerable person who needed help and a wheelchair.

More clearly than any other world leader he saw that the environmental crises we face are intrinsically linked to our current social, political, and economic problems. He wrote that we need “an integrated approach to combating poverty”, one which “protects nature” while at the same time “restoring dignity to the excluded” [2] .

In 2024 he set the theme for the 2025 Jubilee Holy Year as ‘pilgrims of hope’ and wrote:

I hope that people of all faiths and none will find silence, effort and simplicity of life as they walk the pilgrim ways they find on this website.

May Francis, beloved pilgrim pope and a true servant of the servants of God, rest in peace and rise in glory.

Phil McCarthy, project lead

The Vatican has produced a moving short video of the highlights of the papacy which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qQuvJ9TmtQ

[1] Pope Francis, address to those engaged in pilgrimage work and rectors of shrines, 21.01.2016

[2] Pope Francis, Laudato si’ p139

[3] Pope Francis, Spes Non Confundit, Bull of Indiction of the 2025 Jubilee, p5

Images from Wikimedia Commons:

Icon: Pope Francis in St Peter's Square, Gabriel Sozzi, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Banner: Pope Francis in Prato, Zebra48bo, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Holy Family Leicester Jubilee Lent Cross Pilgrimage

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 13:08:00 GMT

Holy Family Leicester consists of the churches of Sacred Heart with St Margaret Mary; Our Lady of Good Counsel; and St Josephs. A group of about 50 parishioners of all ages met after the regular 10.15am Mass at Our Lady’s. We put on our new purple parish high vis jackets, had a blessing from Fr Vitalis, then we took up the Pilgrim Cross, which had been borrowed from Midland Leg of Pilgrim Cross .

The annual Pilgrim Cross pilgrimage to Walsingham starts on the Friday evening before Palm Sunday, Sacred Heart church is hosting the Midland and Kettering groups, before they set off walking 100-120 miles carrying the full size cross over 7 days, arriving in Walsingham in Norfolk on Good Friday, meeting the other legs who start from London (since 1948!) Oxford, Nottingham (Northern), Ely (3 days), Easter (one day) plus the increasing numbers of family and teenage legs (4 this year). There is even an on-line X-leg! At Walsingham the Pilgrim Cross gathering to celebrate the liturgies of Good Friday and Holy Saturday vigil (in the Roman Catholic tradition), then acknowledging the ecumenical nature of the pilgrimage, Easter Sunday is an Anglican service, often celebrated outside.

Our leader was Deacon Seamus O’Looskan, who together with parishioners Christina and David Mottram has walked originally Student Cross (now Pilgrim Cross pilgrimage) over many years and different ‘legs’- since 1977 in Christina’s case, as a student.

The cross is carried flat, by three people at a time, with regular changeovers, and prayers. We were walking on pavements, through shopping streets and main roads, so we were a noticeable walk of witness through multicultural Leicester. On our way some people prayed the Rosary, or sang hymns, and we got to chat people of different ages and backgrounds from our three diverse parishes.

When we arrived at Sacred Heart, we left the cross in front of the altar, prayed ‘We adore you O Christ and we praise you, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world’, then were welcomed with drinks, and we ate our packed lunch for a short break. Some people finished then, others joined us for the next part of the walk, to St Joseph’s church (located at the top of a hill- a bit of a challenge for some), where we had photos, enjoyed the garden, and other facilities, and the pilgrimage concluded with Stations of the Cross. This will be where the local church community will start their Palm Sunday service.

This walk of witness was aimed at young people, but was open to anyone who could manage the 4-mile route. I am doing the 200km Cafod #BigLentWalk; and this contributed 15km (as we walked to the start point) - getting me close to my target. The parish also did a Cafod walk in Watermead Country Park in March, aiming to raise £1000. I will also be walking the one-day Easter Cross to meet fellow pilgrims in Walsingham with my husband David - we are serial pilgrims, and hope to join the local parts of the St Johns leg of Jubilee pilgrimage to Nottingham in September.

We were blessed with good weather that Sunday, we appreciated the beauty of our churches, and we even managed to arrive early at most places. It is now hoped to be a regular parish event on the 5th Sunday of Lent.

Christina Mottram is a parishioner of Holy Family , Leicester.

Photo credits Deacon Seamus O'Looskan

The Westminster Jubilee Way

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 08:38:57 GMT

To celebrate the Jubilee Year, the Archdiocese of Westminster invites you to travel in the steps of the martyrs and saints, who are ‘Beacons of Hope’ along a new pilgrim way.

The Westminster Way explores saints as martyrs, missionaries, servants, scholars and prophets. Along each stage of the journey, pilgrims will go deeper into the meaning of each through the saints who embody them.

The route visits the following destinations:

English Martyrs, Tower Hill
St Mary Moorfields
Charterhouse Monastery
St Etheldreda’s, Ely Place
Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane
Westminster Cathedral

There are opportunities to discover more about the areas around these places in the leader’s guide. This pilgrimage is designed so that it can be conducted around any 5-stage journey, making it accessible to those who might not be able to walk the full route.

More details including a pilgrim passport and a leaders' guide can be found here .

The Archdiocese of Westminster also has the Hearts in Search of God pilgrim way, the Way of Two Cathedrals and Four Shrines , which starts at Westminster Cathedral and ends at the National Shrine to Our Lady of Willesden. For more details click here .

In the Footsteps of St Paul

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 14:24:53 GMT

My wife, Yim Soon and I had not seen a single, active Christian church in our six weeks in Turkey and then, by chance, we found two on our final day! One of them, significantly, was dedicated to St Paul, who had played such a key role in the initial spread of Christianity in that region of the Eastern Mediterranean.

On a couple of occasions we had seen mosques that had been built upon a church. A famous example of this is the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul which we had visited at the start of our trip. This magnificent building had been an Eastern rite church from the fourth to the fifteenth century. Following the fall of Constantinople in 1453, it served as a mosque, with the tall, imposing minarets added soon afterwards. It’s especially beautiful inside, and there is both an immensity and an intricacy to the Byzantine architecture. Wandering around in the upper levels, one is constantly coming upon frescoes of saints and suchlike. High above the main prayer space, on the ceiling of one of the cupolas, my eyes were drawn to long white cloths which appeared to be in rather random positions. It turned out that they were obscuring pictures of Jesus and Mary! Islam does not permit any representations of the divine but I was pleased to see that these pictures had been allowed to remain, albeit covered up!

From Istanbul we went south to the remarkably well-preserved site of Ephesus. It was the third largest city in the Roman empire when Paul established the Church there on his second missionary journey, fifteen to twenty years after the death of Christ. He returned on his third missionary journey and lived and taught there for three years, the longest period he spent in one place. He was forced to leave when the silversmith union staged a riot. They were up in arms that the spread of the gospel was affecting the sale of trinkets dedicated to the goddess Diana! Later on, Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians when he was in prison in Rome.

I was intrigued to see that not far from the ruins of Ephesus is the ‘House of the Virgin Mary.’ We tried but were unable to find this place where it is believed that Mary spent the last years of her life, being looked after by the apostle John following the instruction of Jesus on the cross. In any case, we had been richly rewarded by our visit to the city which had been central to the planting and the growth of the Christian Church beyond Judea.

At the end of our trip we had a few days in Antalya. This attractive and vibrant coastal city was originally called Attalia and is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles in Chapter 14: ‘Then after proclaiming the word at Perga they (i.e. Paul and Barnabas) went down to Attalia and from there sailed for Antioch.’ On our first day in Antalya we visited the Kesik Minare mosque in the Old Town. This is built upon the foundations of a Byzantine church, and those foundations can be viewed through panels built into the floor of the otherwise carpeted prayer space. It’s interesting that the original church of the sixth century had, in its turn, been built upon a Roman temple constructed in the second century! The Muslims have no monopoly on the appropriation of sacred sites!

We were wandering through the narrow lanes of the Old Town, close to the Kesik Minare mosque, the day before our departure from Turkey and were most excited to come across the ‘Yenikapi Greek church,’ Yenikapi meaning new door. I was even more excited to step inside the small, intimate building and to behold at the front, forming a sort of rood screen, a line of six large, lovely and gold-rimmed icons, which included one or two that are quite familiar to me. We spent some time in prayer in front of the icons and I resolved to come back at five o’clock in the afternoon for vespers, as indicated on a sign outside.

Just a few metres away from the Greek church we got our second surprise when we came upon the ‘St Paul Cultural Centre.’ This includes meeting rooms, a library, a secluded garden and a café/restaurant called ‘Paul’s Place,’ and we had our lunch there and chatted with some of the people connected with the centre. Two young Turkish men took me upstairs to a large room that serves as the church and told me that every Sunday there are services in English and Turkish that draw two hundred people. One of the men had on his forearm a tattoo of a cross and the words ‘Jesus Christ.’ Pretty brave, I thought, in a country where now just 0.2% of the population is Christian.

A nice touch in the restaurant was place mats which showed some of the significant locations in the missionary travels of St Paul, including Ephesus and Attalia. There was a little description of each place. That for Ephesus, next to a picture of the famous library facade, was ‘Lived, taught, and caused a riot in this leading city!’ Another, for Lystra, was ‘Got stoned (literally) and miraculously healed.’

I came back, as planned, at 5 p.m. to the Greek church. There was a man in black robes who I assumed was the priest and there was another man at a lectern. And there was me! The service lasted half an hour and was all chanted rapidly in Church Slavonic. I checked this outside with another man, a Russian called Yegor who had arrived late.

I had understood a grand total of one word from that service: Gospodi, which I knew from Taizé chants to mean ‘Lord.’ Still, it was special to be able to end our incredible journey in Turkey with a bit of Christian liturgy, and to give thanks for our amazing adventure. Also to get a glimpse into the rich history of a part of the world that was so pivotal in the spread of Christianity and to come to a deeper appreciation of those who, like St Paul, risk their lives for their faith.

Eddie Gilmore is a Hearts in Search of God project collaborator.

For more about Eddie and his books click here .

St Matthew's Way (West)

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:25:36 GMT

St Matthew's Way

The western Pilgrimage of Hope Way from St David's Cathedral in Cardiff to St Barnabas' Cathedral in Nottingham via St Chad's Cathedral in Birmingham and the Shrine of St Chad in Lichfield.

Patron: St Melangell (c 7th or 8th Century) Welsh hermit, consecrated virgin and abbess.

Overview:

Essential facts:

Route length: 210.2 miles
Ascent: 10,955 ft
Peak elevation: 1,378 ft
Average walk day length: 14 miles
Average walk day duration: 6-7 hours
First walking day: Thursday 28th August 2025
Number of walking days: 15
Number of rest days: 2
End date: Saturday 13th September 2025 at St Barnabas' Cathedral, Nottingham
Pilgrims are invited to join the Solemn Mass for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross at 11.15 on Sunday 14th September at St Barnabas' Cathedral.

St Matthew's Way route

For details of the day stages and parishes visited see below.

NB REGISTRATION FOR DAY PILGRIMAGES HAS NOW CLOSED.

St Mark's Way (North)

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:25:31 GMT

St Mark's Way

The northern Pilgrimage of Hope Way from Leeds Cathedral to St Barnabas' Cathedral in Nottingham via St Marie's Cathedral in Sheffield and the Chapel of the Padley Martyrs.

Patron: St Hilda of Whitby (c. 614 – 680) abbess and key figure in the Anglo-Saxon Church.

Overview:

Essential facts:

Route length: 105.9 miles
Ascent 3,750 ft: The route is mostly flat with the only significant climb on Day 4 over Houndkirk Moor
Peak elevation: 1,388 ft
Average walk day length: 13.5 miles
Average walk duration: 5-6 hours
First walking day Saturday 6 September 2025
Number of walking days: 8
Number of rest days: 0
Last walking day: Saturday 13 September: arrival at St Barnabas' Cathedral, Nottingham for evening prayer and social celebration
Sunday 14 September, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross: pilgrims are invited to join the 11.15 Solemn Mass at St Barnabas' Cathedral

St Mark's Way route

For details of the day stages and parishes visited see below

NB REGISTRATION FOR DAY PILGRIMAGES HAS NOW CLOSED.

St Luke's Way (East)

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:25:28 GMT

St Luke's Way

Patron : Julian of Norwich (c. 1343 – after 1416) English anchoress, mystic and theologian.

Overview

Essential facts:

Route length: 155.4 miles
Ascent: 1,883 ft
Peak elevation: 443 ft (the route is generally flat)
Average walk day length: 15.5 miles
Average walk day duration: 6 hours
First walking day: Thursday 4th September 2025
Number of walking days: 10
Number of rest days: 0
End date: Saturday 13th September 2025 at St Barnabas' Cathedral, Nottingham
Pilgrims are invited to join the Solemn Mass for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross at 11.15 on Sunday 14th September at St Barnabas' Cathedral.

St Luke's Way route

For details of the day pilgrimages and parishes visited see below

NB REGISTRATION FOR DAY PILGRIMAGES HAS NOW CLOSED.

St John's Way (South)

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:25:24 GMT

St John's Way

Patron : St Anne Line (c. 1563 – 1601): English married lay woman, convert and martyr.

Overview

Essential facts:

Route length: 169.4 miles
Ascent: 4,669 ft - the route is mostly very flat
Peak elevation: 656 ft
Average walk day length: 14.9 miles
Average walk day duration: 6 hours
Number of walking days: 12
Number of rest days: 1
Start date: Monday 1st September at St George's Cathedral, Southwark, London
End date: Saturday 13th September 2025 at St Barnabas' Cathedral, Nottingham
Pilgrims are invited to join the Solemn Mass for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross at 11.15 on Sunday 14th September at St Barnabas' Cathedral.

St John's Way route map

For details of the day stages and parishes visited see below.

NB REGISTRATION FOR DAY HAS NOW CLOSED

Why attend the annual LMS Walsingham pilgrimage

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 16:42:45 GMT

I grew up always thinking England a bleak and miserable place. I also grew up without the Catholic Faith. I don’t believe these two facts are unrelated. I no longer think England is either of those things. The beauty and storied sides of our country, its spiritual character worthy of reverence and devotion, is visible to me now in a way it never used to be.

In some locations this is more strongly felt – it’s modestly fair to say Slough and Luton move me to affection somewhat less strongly than do York or Durham. But nowhere has profounder effect on me in this way than Little Walsingham. It’s perhaps the year’s biggest disappointment that I won’t be attending the Latin Mass Society’s annual pilgrimage to Walsingham this August. Since I first discovered and participated in it as a relatively new convert in 2022, I’ve attended every year since – and intend on doing so long into the future. Alas, this year plans were made for me by another. My hands are tied.

So, what’s the pilgrimage all about? Why does it, and its destination, have such a profound effect on myself and others? As with the neighbouring Chartres pilgrimage to the south, there’s a twofold sense of a faithful laity making steps to recover and reignite the sacred traditions of their faith – and a nation to recapture its ancient soul. As the French journey to their most beautiful medieval gothic cathedral, our English-led group starts from one uniquely charming old cathedral and monastery in Ely and heads to something altogether quainter and humbler. A little village, surrounded by sheep, where the Virgin Mary appeared – and her house was once held. England’s Nazareth. What occurs at Chartres is part of France’s rediscovery of its ancient character as la fille aînée de l’Église (the eldest daughter of the Church); the LMS reminds pilgrims that England is Mary’s Dowry, as Europe once knew.

England’s growing pilgrimage, which now leads more than 200 people, is smaller and more intimate than its French counterpart. Taking place on the last weekend of August, pilgrims are accompanied by traditional priests, Dominican and Franciscan friars, and a team of volunteers who cook and ensure a spiritually edifying, orderly, safe and enjoyable experience for all who attend. The remarks of Dr Joseph Shaw, who leads the pilgrimage, and the friendships and conversations struck up along the 57-mile three-day journey from Ely to Walsingham combine nicely with the homilies given at regular intervals during breaks, the beauty and power of the ancient Mass (celebrated in sung form daily), and the enchantment Walsingham herself. These human and divine elements curiously combine and complement each other emphatically over the course of the weekend in a way that strangely mirrors the incarnation which took place at Nazareth – an object of meditation as we near the old site of the Holy House at Walsingham.

It’s almost impossible not to strike up many friendships as you walk in chapters between praying the rosary together and singing a collection of sacred music, hymns, and secular songs. If you’re a twentysomething man you’re likely to make connexions over football or the gym or literature with your new friends, but you’ll share wisdom regarding prayer and the Faith just as much. What of the pilgrims themselves? Anyone who’s even remotely familiar with the traditional Catholic world will know there’s a certain portion of eccentricity – but there’s an overwhelming amount of normality and healthy sanity too that most wouldn’t expect. And even with the eccentricities, they’re almost without fail endearing. Grace builds upon nature, they say. It redeems and strengthens and polishes, bringing out what’s already there in the best light.

Nearing Little Walsingham, the group make their way first to the Catholic National Shrine where the old medieval “Slipper Chapel” is located. This chapel, rather promisingly and hopefully presciently, was found in ruins and returned to Christ’s Catholic Church by a lady who converted from Anglicanism in the 19th century. We arrive at this location singing the Palm Sunday chant Gloria, laus et honor – and after celebrating Mass, literally following in the feet of countless pilgrims of old; many pilgrims remove their shoes (hence “slipper” chapel) to walk the final mile barefoot to the old ruins and abbey grounds – where Our Lady appeared and the Holy House was kept.

I’ve often mused before on how places – like relics, the garment of Christ, or the shadow of St Peter – can be imbued with a kind of sacred power. Little Walsingham certainly feels that way. With its fine cobblestone Norfolk architecture, the greenery, and lack of noise – it feels not only pleasant but like a “thin place,” as a (presently) Anglican friend who works there once described it to me. It’s as if prayer is particularly easy and efficacious and you’re closer to the realms of the supernatural. The same friend recounted stories of ghosts and the unexplained recent and old attached to the village. Go and see for yourself.

What is certain is that it regularly, with the help of the penance and preparation of the excellent journey the LMS leads on the way the there, moves me. Every time I make new or renew lifetime friendships. My faith is emboldened. I’m reminded that in the spiritual life, most of us cannot do it as hermits and need the counsel, encouragement, camaraderie, or even friendly correction of likeminded souls. This is a place to find it. (And to potentially find a spouse; I know one or two married couples who met on the walk.) And so, tying this back to England and eccentricities: grace does build upon nature. It also gives the weary and cynical eyes to see.

The LMS Walsingham pilgrimage reminds participants of why they walk the hard and narrow path – of the beauty of their homeland, the goodness of their peers, and (courtesy the settings and the ancient Mass) the generosity and majesty of their God. I recommend all to go.

Thomas Colsy is a freelance journalist.

The 2025 LMS walking pilgrimage will be from Ely to Walsingham and will take place between Thursday 21st August and Sunday 24th August. For more information see the Society's website: www.lms.org.uk/walsingham-pilgrimage

Photograph credits: banner Joseph Shaw, icon John Aron

CrossWalk Pilgrimages Lent 2025

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 14:43:07 GMT

The CrossWalk initiative mission is to walk in faith together. Praying for peace and acting for peace.

We are entering Lent and as such we are starting our annual Crosswalks. This year the set dates and times are as follows:

March 23rd

Time and route open to suggestions!

March 29th

Time (set off) 10:30am

Route - Great Orme walk from Llandudno pier to the summit and back down around the Orme.

April 6th

Time (set off) 9am

Route - Snowdon Walk from the Llanberis route.

April 12th, 13th

Time 10am (start)

Route 1st day - from St Winefride's to midway

2nd day - from midway to Wrexham Cathedral in time for 7pm Mass on Sunday.

April 18th (Good Friday)

Time 9am

Route - from Llandudno pier to Colwyn bay ready for 3pm Mass at St Josephs.

Additionally, we are open to suggestions for other walks, especially since we still have the date of March 23rd available.

We conduct all necessary risk assessments and obtain permissions as required. We welcome anyone interested in joining us for any segment of the walks. We kindly ask that participants notify us in advance of their intention to participate, allowing us to brief them on any health and safety risks and ensure they are adequately prepared.

While we strive to support and advise participants regarding potential risks, each individual is responsible for their own actions. As such, all attendees will be required to sign a liability waiver. We do hold the necessary qualifications for these activities. Garth Butcher is certified as a Level 2 Gym Instructor, and I, Julie Butcher, hold a Level 3 Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer certification. Additionally, we are trained in First Aid and have acquired Health & Safety qualifications.

If you have any further questions or suggestions please feel free to share or ask, and I will do my best to provide answers or clarification.

Julie Butcher

Contact: 07879 473239

Called to Prayer on the Lycian Way

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:32:50 GMT

Having done the Camino to Santiago de Compostela a few months ago, my wife and I are now on the Lycian Way along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey and I've been reflecting, among other things, what the difference might be between an ancient pilgrimage route and a long-distance hike.

There is certainly a lot in common between the two. One thing is the pleasing simplicity to life on the road. You pack your world into your rucksack in the morning and you walk. That's it! A lot of the usual worrıes of life seem to drop away and the biggest anxiety becomes making sure you don't get lost! Or where the next cup of tea is going to come from! Or whether you'll find somewhere to sleep that night. There's just something calming and centring about walking. One of our Camino friends commented to me recently how 'the brain chatter was mostly silenced by the routine and daily exercise.'

The lovely landscape is also therapeutic and in Turkey we have been treated to one amazing view after another as we pace up and down the mountains that fringe the Mediterranean. There is a heightened awareness of the natural world: the sunrises, the sunsets, the spring flowers that appear as if out of nowhere. Food is deeply appreciated and I don't think that a meal at a Michelin restaurant could have satisfied me as much as the bread, cheese, tomato and cucumber I ate one day on a beach, which we'd reached by a rocky and slightly hair-raising trek down a mountain.

The encounters along the way are equally appreciated. Some days there has been nobody else on the Lycian Way but one day we saw a grand total of four other hikers. And we really did meet each of those four, taking the time to share some of our story. A young Australian told us how he'd arrived late the day before in a village with no accommodation open and a local man had let him stay in his house. Two young English guys, it emerged, had been at the same college in university as our youngest son. And a Russıan man, Dimi, confessed that he had left his homeland three years earlier following the invasion of Ukraine.

Yim Soon and İ have also been on the receiving end of multiple acts of friendliness and kindness from the locals. Just like on the Camino, the Lycian Way passes right through the heart of the country and I love the little daily encounters that occur. The al fresco meal on the beach mentioned above was supplied by a man at the hotel who couldn't have done enough for us and who had gladly packed up some of the leftovers from our Big Turkish Breakfast. Also in common with the Camino, you are out of your comfort zone and in a kind of liminal space and therefore particularly receptive to human contact and acts of kindness.

So what is the difference between an ancient pilgrimage route and a long-distance hike? Is it the spiritual element? Well, even that has been provided for me to a certain extent on the Lycian Way, and in an unexpected manner. Wıth Turkey being a Muslim country, we have constantly been hearing the call to prayer. There are five prayer times in the day. The first is before dawn and it gets slightly earlier each day. At the start of our trip the call began at about 6.45. Now it's 6.27 and İ wait for it eagerly every morning. It really is a call, and it comes through loudspeakers so you can't miss it! It's a cry that's plaintive, melancholic, other-worldly, and hauntingly beautiful.

The next prayers are mid-day, afternoon, before sunset, and night, each of them preceded by the call to prayer. And in a big town or city there might be a few going on simultaneously from different mosques! But it never jars. And as someone who often stays at monasteries I'm very at home with the day being punctuated by times of prayer. I've also enjoyed the sheer beauty of the mosques. When we were ın Istanbul we got to see a couple of its gems, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. But even a small vıllage will have a mosque and they're normally set on high ground so that the dome and the spire are the first things seen when coming towards a town.

I notice how my own prayer changes in these days. I spend less time than usual in formal prayer and it's as if the walking and being out in nature becomes my prayer. I wonder if I'm becomıng a little more open to the Ignatian concept of finding God in all things.

Whether it's a pilgrimage or 'just' a long-distance hike, how grateful I am for this experience of walking every day in a beautiful place, for the multitude of gifts that are being given, and for being called to prayer on the Lycian Way.

Eddie Gilmore

For more about Hearts in Search of God collaborator Eddie Gilmore and his writing on pilgrimage and follow this link .

Psychology of Pilgrimage

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:15:14 GMT

Pilgrimages are growing around the world, weaving a tapestry of transformation, introspection, and adventure. But what fuels this timeless human practice? What draws millions to traverse sacred trails, ancient paths, and urban landscapes in search of something more?

Psychology of Pilgrimage , a new podcast hosted with warmth and curiosity by Dr Heather Warfield, invites you to embark on an extraordinary journey that explores pilgrimages in all forms, amplifies the voices of pilgrims, and communes at the crossroads of scholarship and practice.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PsychologyofPilgrimage

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SUfQVgGYj6NZGRsOGuUcj?si=odDGk4shQ1u6nl1R1ROkow

Heather A. Warfield is a professor, author, and consultant with subject matter expertise on the psychology of pilgrimages. Over the past decade, her research has focused on the universality of pilgrims’ experiences, the narratives pilgrims share, and the meaning pilgrims create from these journeys.

Holy Places

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 11:11:31 GMT

Pilgrimage is a journey that goes beyond mere travel; it's a profound quest for spiritual growth, self-discovery, and connection. A new book by Kathryn Hurlock explores this theme.

Every year, millions of people from diverse cultures and backgrounds embark on pilgrimages, seeking to deepen their faith, find solace, and gain a greater understanding of themselves and the world around them. But the significance of pilgrimage extends far beyond personal transformation. Having researched them for the best part of twenty years, what has struck me is that they have a much wider impact on the world than many people realise. Pilgrimages have played a crucial role in shaping societies, fostering cultural exchange, and promoting peace and understanding among different communities.

From the ancient streets of Jerusalem to the sacred waters of Amritsar, the healing centre of Lourdes, the spiritual heights of Bear Butte, and the political shrines of Buenos Aires, pilgrimage places have left an indelible mark on our world's history and heritage. In writing Holy Places, I wanted to highlight the profound significance of pilgrimages and the places they focus on. Pilgrimages are not just about reaching a destination; they are about the experiences, challenges, and revelations encountered along the way. They have the power to unite people across boundaries, bridging gaps between different cultures and beliefs. My hope is that this book will illuminate the importance of pilgrimage and its enduring influence on our world. I wrote it to share the rich tapestry of pilgrimage with a wider audience, to celebrate its historical and cultural significance, and to reconsider the impact of pilgrimage.

Books can be pre-ordered from: https://profilebooks.com/work/holy-places/

It will also be available in good bookshops from 6th March.

Kathryn joined Manchester Metropolitan in 2008, having completed her PhD in Medieval History at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. Her early research was into the medieval history of Wales and the crusading movement up to 1291 and then more broadly British and Irish connections to the crusading movement up to c.1600. She then turned her research interest to pilgrimage, focussing on St Winefride’s Well in North Wales, Britain’s oldest continually resorted-to pilgrimage site, the role of rail travel in modern pilgrimage, and the connection between war, veterans, and pilgrimage activity.

Walk the beautiful St Cuthbert’s Way to Holy Island with Stella Maris!

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 13:46:35 GMT

Join Tim Hill MBE, CEO of Stella Maris, and Deacon Joe O’Donnell, Senior Area Port Chaplain, on a 5-night, 6-day pilgrimage marking the Jubilee Year of Hope - a meaningful time for pilgrimage.

Follow the ancient St. Cuthbert’s Way from the Scottish Borders to Lindisfarne, walking in the footsteps of saints, monks, and medieval travellers. Beginning at Melrose Abbey, the route winds through rolling hills, river valleys, and historic landmarks, with stunning landscapes from the Eildon and Cheviot Hills to the windswept Northumberland coast. The journey culminates in a final walk across the tidal causeway to Holy Island, a place of deep spiritual significance.

This special pilgrimage concludes during the Vatican-designated Jubilee of Families (30th May – 1st June), where we will pray especially for families of seafarers and fishers. A unique journey of history, faith, and breath-taking scenery awaits.

For more information click here .

Stella Maris helps thousands of seafarers every year who are struggling with loneliness, exhaustion, bullying and exploitation.

The Winter Hearts in Search of God Newsletter

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 16:07:37 GMT

Dear Friend

Welcome to the Winter 2025 Hearts in Search of God Project newsletter.

The 2025 Jubilee

In the Catholic Church, Jubilees or Holy Years are special years of grace, forgiveness and reconciliation. The first was declared by Pope Boniface VIII in 1300. The 2025 Jubilee marks the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea. It has especial significance in England & Wales as it also commemorates 175 years since the restoration of the Catholic hierarchy after the penal centuries that followed the English Reformation. The Jubilee has the theme 'pilgrims of hope' and the logo shows people coming from the four corners of the earth in solidarity. Pope Francis has written:

“Pilgrimage is of course a fundamental element of every Jubilee event. Setting out on a journey is traditionally associated with our human quest for meaning in life. A pilgrimage on foot is a great aid for rediscovering the value of silence, effort and simplicity of life. In the coming year, pilgrims of hope will surely travel the ancient and more modern routes in order to experience the Jubilee to the full.” ( Spes Non Confundit, Bull of Indiction of the 2025 Jubilee, p5)

The Pilgrimage of Hope

One way to ‘experience the Jubilee to the full’ is by joining the Pilgrimage of Hope, a national walking pilgrimage with four main Ways converging at the Cathedral of St Barnabas, Nottingham, on Saturday 13th September 2025, for shared prayer and celebration. The Pilgrimage will culminate with Solemn Mass for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on 14th September at St Barnabas' Cathedral. The Pilgrimage will embody the values of the Sisters of the Holy Cross of compassion, faith, prayer and community.

The four main Ways start at the Catholic cathedrals in Cardiff, Leeds, Norwich and London, and will bless our nations with a Sign of the Cross and with the Gospels. The routes use established hiking routes and are off road as much as possible. A small group of 'perpetual pilgrims' will walk the full distance of each Way, and day pilgrims will be able to join for stages. Stretches which are suitable for wheelchairs and buggies will be identified. There will be opportunities for non-walkers to provide enroute support, hospitality and prayer. There are also possible feeder routes to the four main Ways from all the other Catholic cathedrals of England & Wales for keen long-distance walkers, so people from every diocese can participate.

If you could help with trailblazing the routes over the next 6 weeks, or would like to consider becoming a perpetual pilgrim, you can find more details here . Registration for day pilgrims will open in April.

Diocesan Pilgrim Ways during the 2025 Jubilee

If the Pilgrimage of Hope is not for you, then you can become a ‘pilgrim of hope’ by walking one of the Pilgrim Ways in England & Wales. There is one for every Catholic diocese, the Ukrainian and Syro-Malabar eparchies, the Bishopric of the Armed Forces and the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham. Details of the inner and outer journeys, walking guidance, maps and GPX files for all the Ways can be downloaded for free here .

All the Ways start at the cathedral of the diocese and end at a shrine in the same diocese. Many of the cathedrals and shrines will be Jubilee sacred sites, ‘sacred places of welcome and privileged spaces for the rebirth of hope’ (Spes non confundit, 24). Details of the Jubilee churches and shrines near you can be found on your diocese’s website.

Resources

There are resources on the website for pilgrimage including a new one on:

Walking pilgrimage, care for creation and the common good .

Going deeper

Articles on the ‘Going Deeper’ webpages provide context and expert background to pilgrimage. The latest is by:

Fleur Dorrell , the Biblical Apostolate Manager at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales, and the national co-ordinator of the ‘God who Speaks’ project. She explores the nature of travel and some key journeys in the Bible to help us navigate our own lives.
Arran M Kearney describes his pilgrimage along the St Philomena Way in the Diocese of Shrewsbury, and explains why it was important to his faith journey. He shares the poetry he wrote enroute and reflects on how Christianity underpins the culture of England.

I am grateful to Fleur and Arran, and the others who have contributed their time and expertise which really adds to the resources on the website.

News, Stories & Events

Thanks as well to all those who have contributed stories over the last few months. Topics include

Another Day in Paradise - the magic of the Camino : pilgrim and writer Eddie Gilmore reflects on his recent journey with his wife along the Camino to Finisterre.
Help wanted to develop the Camino Inglés in England : Keith Taylor describes the development of the Camino Inglés from Finchale Priory to join the St James Way at Reading.
Walking to Walsingham : Between March 2023 and May 2024, Karen Lawrence walked the 180 miles from London to the National Shrine of Our Lady in Walsingham. She has recently published a wonderful book to share her story and to encourage other pilgrims.
In Praise of the Useless Life : Eddie Gilmore explains how a pilgrimage along a forbidden track to Thomas Merton's hermitage helped him to understand monastic life.
Peace Pilgrimage : Richard Smart reflects on walking for peace for the Awareness Foundation.
CAFOD webinar : it was a wonderful to be asked to contribute to CAFOD’s webinar introducing the Jubilee year.
Hexham & Newcastle webinar : I was delighted to take part in this webinar organised by the Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle on pilgrimage in the Jubilee.

Feedback on the Diocesan Ways

I would be grateful for any feedback you have about the Ways, and especially any route updates and changes . After your pilgrimage remember to download your certificate of completion .

If you have a story or a pilgrim resource or event to share, please contact me through the website.

Please feel free to share his newsletter with people who may be interested. I hope you enjoy the website, designed by the wonderful people at Everyday Christian Marketing.

Wishing you every blessing and joy as we start the Jubilee year, during which we can become ‘pilgrims of hope’.

Buen camino!

Phil McCarthy, Project Lead

John Bradburne Memorial Society Annual Pilgrimage

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:14:37 GMT

The Annual John Bradburne Memorial Society Annual Pilgrimage in Cumbria will take place on 6th September 2025.

You are invited to join the pilgrimage at Skirwith, John's birthplace, for a day of reflection and community:

Programme:

10:00 AM – Mass at Skirwith Church
Pilgrimage Walk – a 5-hour countryside walk exploring the beautiful Cumbrian countryside
Talk & Refreshments – Skirwith Village Hall

To register your interest, please email: info@johnbradburne.com

Elijah: a pilgrim of hope

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 09:04:38 GMT

Image: Gmihail at Serbian Wikipedia, via Wikimedia Commons

Fr Jerome Oseagwina Ituah reflects on the Prophet Elijah's faith journey and how it links to the 2025 Jubilee, during which we are called to become 'pilgrims of hope'.

Introduction

In his Bull, Spes Non Confundit , declaring 2025 a jubilee year, Pope Francis emphasises the need for hope, renewal, and participation in spiritual pilgrimage. However, our pilgrimages will be meaningless unless they guide us towards social justice and revive hope by tackling societal issues, advocating for peace, caring for creation, aiding the poor, including migrants, and supporting the vulnerable. The Pope also calls for reconciliation and forgiveness as a central aspect of the pilgrim’s spiritual renewal and a reflection of God’s abundant mercy.

A pilgrim is someone who travels or undertakes a long journey to a sacred or religious place as an act of devotion. Pilgrimages are ancient practices common to many cultures and religions. People journey to specific sites of significant spiritual importance to them. Christian pilgrims visit places such as Jerusalem, Rome, and Lourdes in France, as well as Fatima in Portugal, while Muslim pilgrims go to Mecca for Hajj - one of the five pillars of Islam, required at least once in a lifetime for all Muslims who are financially and physically able to undertake such a pilgrimage. Adherents of Hinduism and Buddhism also make pilgrimages to Varanasi on the Ganges River and Bodh Gaya in India respectively.

Jesus undertook religious pilgrimages to Jerusalem. His parents brought him to Jerusalem for the Passover when he was 12 years old (cf. Luke 2:41-50), and he travelled there for the Feast of Tabernacles (cf. Jn 7:10-14). However, Jesus’ entire life can metaphorically be seen as a pilgrimage, from his birth culminating in his final journey to Jerusalem to fulfil the mission of his passion, death, resurrection, and ascension. Jesus, therefore, offers us another perspective on pilgrimages as a spiritual journey towards our eternal destiny (cf. Phil 3:20; Rev 21:3-4). While we undertake physical pilgrimages on earth, the ultimate goal is to unite us with God, whose presence is felt at those unique pilgrimage sites.

Our earthly journey can be fraught with challenges and disappointments. Each pilgrimage should inspire us to persevere until our final journey back to our heavenly homeland.

The Pilgrimage of Elijah

The narrative of Elijah (1 Kings 17 to 2 Kings 2) reflects a pilgrimage of faith. Introduced as a Tishbite, Elijah declares a drought to Ahab and then embarks on a pilgrimage to the brook Cherith, where God sustains him through ravens and the brook's water (1 Kgs 17:2-7). When the brook dries, Elijah begins another journey to Zarephath, relying on God’s word that a widow will care for him. Despite her dire circumstances, God multiplies the widow’s flour and oil, emphasising Elijah’s trust in divine providence.

Elijah’s journey to Mount Carmel illustrates the spiritual essence of pilgrimages: deepening faith and guiding others to God. By confronting Ahab and the prophets of Baal, Elijah challenges Israel's apostasy and restores faith through a dramatic demonstration of God’s power (1 Kings 18). Pilgrimages foster reconciliation and a renewed relationship with God, as evidenced when Israel confesses, “The Lord, he is God” (1 Kings 18:39).

The pilgrim’s path is not without hardship. After defeating Baal’s prophets, Jezebel threatens Elijah, driving him into despair. Fleeing into the wilderness, Elijah prays for death but finds divine solace through an angel who provides food and water (1 Kgs 19:4-8). Strengthened, Elijah travels to Mount Horeb, where he experiences God, not in fire, earthquake, or wind, but in a gentle whisper (1 Kgs 19:12-13).

After the divine encounter on Mount Horeb, God instructs Elijah to return to his mission and address specific life situations, having been empowered during his pilgrimage. Elijah returns to choose his successor, Elisha (cf. 1 Kgs 19:19-21). He also must confront King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, who had taken the life of Naboth the Jezreelite and seized his vineyard (cf. 1 Kgs 21). Elijah, the pilgrim, fights for and defends the rights of the vulnerable and poor in society.

Elijah’s pilgrimage culminates in his ascent to heaven (2 Kgs 2:1-11), accompanied by Elisha. Pilgrimages provide opportunities for spiritual requests, as Elisha demonstrates by seeking a double portion of Elijah’s spirit (2 Kgs 2:9). Elijah’s ultimate journey symbolises the final pilgrimage of every human being towards union with God. His life highlights faith, obedience, and reliance on divine providence, reminding us that earthly pilgrimages prepare us for our heavenly journey.

The Example of Elijah as a Pilgrim of Hope for Us Today

Pope Francis emphasises two vital goals of pilgrimages during the jubilee year: addressing social issues and renewing our spiritual relationship with God. Elijah's journeys from the brook Cherith to his ascent to heaven provide hope to every Christian pilgrim, whether embarking on a physical pilgrimage to religious sites, navigating the challenges of life’s journey, or seeking to deepen one’s spiritual connection with God. Elijah imparts valuable lessons for us during this jubilee year.

1. Pilgrimage is a leap of faith. Elijah teaches us to rely on God for every pilgrimage and every situation in life. God fed Elijah at the brook Cherith, through the widow of Zarephath, and by an angel. All three episodes were instances when the prophet had no hope of obtaining food or water. Elijah went in faith to where the voice of God directed him, hopeful that God would supply his needs according to His riches in glory (cf. Phil 4:19). As pilgrims, we must lay our cares and worries at the feet of the Lord. When undertaking physical pilgrimages, we should not be overly concerned about what we will eat or how comfortable the accommodation will be. We must trust in God’s providence and support.

2. Reconciliation with God. Every spiritual pilgrimage aims to deepen one’s spiritual life, particularly during moments of doubt regarding our faith. The people of Israel fluctuated between the worship of Baal and the true God. Elijah invited the people to undertake a pilgrimage on Mount Carmel to restore their faith and hope in God. Pilgrimages serve as places and opportunities for reconciling with God and seeking forgiveness. Pope Francis encourages us to stand firm in our faith and rekindle people’s hope in God as we embark on our jubilee year pilgrimage. We can achieve this by motivating people to engage in prayerful pilgrimages during the jubilee year, guiding them to locations where they can renew their faith and become beacons of hope for others upon their return from the pilgrimage. Above all, we can assist individuals in reconciling with God and seeking forgiveness for past failings, much like Elijah sought God’s guidance during his pilgrimage to Mount Horeb.

3. Advocating for the Poor and Vulnerable. Elijah restored hope to those in need during his time by advocating for their struggles and confronting the injustices they faced. He brought comfort to the impoverished widow of Zarephath and her son, who were gathering sticks to prepare their last meal before resigning themselves to death. Elijah’s presence provided them with food and renewed life. Our pilgrimage should compel us to take action, assisting the migrants and vulnerable individuals among us. Additionally, Elijah boldly confronted King Ahab and Queen Jezebel regarding the wrongful execution of Naboth and the appropriation of his land. Pope Francis’ message calls us, like Elijah, to advocate for the impoverished and vulnerable individuals within our communities. In doing so, we offer them hope for a better future.

4. Hope in Despair. Elijah was defeated by Jezebel's message. He ran for his life and was ready to end his mission and life. The great prophet fell into despair and was traumatised. He grappled with his human weakness and frailty. Yet, Elijah teaches us that there is hope in every calamity and adversity. He understood he could not take his life. God responded to Elijah’s despair, giving him succour, courage, and consolation. He fed him and bestowed strength to continue the journey. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. Our disappointments and challenges must not overwhelm us, not even tempt us to take our lives. It is not worth it. We can trust in God. He will undoubtedly come in unexpected ways. There is hope for us in our weaknesses and struggles in life. Our pilgrimage can be a journey of self-discovery or personal growth.

5. Hope for a Double Portion. Elisha’s determination to follow Elijah to the end revealed the gift of the double portion of Elijah’s spirit. Elijah hoped for eternal life and divine fulfilment, illustrating the continuity of hope between our earthly and heavenly lives. Elijah symbolises eschatological hope; at the end of our lives, we will return to God. Jesus' resurrection affirmed the Jewish belief that we do not need to ascend bodily like Elijah. We must pass through the experience of death to attain the hope of eternal life. We have a double portion, sharing in the life of Christ here on earth in anticipation of its fullness in heaven.

Elijah’s life as a pilgrim teaches us to embrace faith, trust in God, and advocate for justice. As pilgrims of hope, we are called to deepen our spiritual journey, inspire others, and address societal challenges. Like Elijah, we must defend our faith, offer hope, and work for a more just world. Every physical or spiritual pilgrimage ultimately leads us closer to God and our heavenly homeland.

Fr Jerome Oseagwina Ituah, is a Discalced Carmelite priest of the Anglo-Irish Province. He is the Sub-Prior of St. Joseph’s Carmelite Priory, Gerrards Cross and Promoter of Vocations and Young Adult Ministry for the Discalced Carmelites in the UK. He holds a Licentiate in Sacred Scriptures from the Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome and currently doing a Doctorate in Biblical Theology in St. Mary’s University, Twickenham.

Walk for CAFOD!

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 13:53:56 GMT

About CAFOD

CAFOD (Catholic Agency For Overseas Development) is the Catholic aid agency for England and Wales, and part of Caritas Internationalis. We work through the local Church to reach people and places that others can't. Across the world we bring hope and compassion to poor communities, standing side by side with them to end poverty and injustice. We work on long-term development as well as responding to emergencies.

Why walk for CAFOD

Pilgrimage is an ancient way of walking with God and one another, and that is what CAFOD exists for. We walk with God and with the poorest people in our world, longing for the Kingdom of God which is justice and peace. We carry with us our prayers and hopes, and the sufferings of the world which as Christians weigh on our hearts. We invite you to pilgrimage with us and for the people we exist to serve - those the world may often forget but who Jesus holds as precious. This Jubilee year, we are campaigning and praying for a global debts to be revoked, as we look for reset, renewal and restoration in our world. Pilgrimage is a key way to walk with those themes, pray with your steps, and give alms to the poor to reflect the heart of Jesus.

How your pilgrimage could raise funds for the people we serve

Go to CAFOD's pilgrimage page for details of how to set up a JustGiving page to support our work. This is an easy way to invite your parish community and friends and family to support your pilgrimage, and pray with you or give you prayers they'd like you to pray and carry with you as you walk.

Praying for CAFOD's mission

You can use any of the resources on the Hearts in Search of God website or those on the CAFOD Prayer Resources pages . Most especially in this year of Jubilee, please pray for global debt relief. You can also join our campaign for a Jubilee cancellation of global debts for the poorest countries this year, and carry a candle to hold this prayer before God as you walk.

Contact

You can contact us here We'd love to hear from you! Reach out on social media if you prefer - we'd love to hear about your pilgrimage plans.

Thank you for helping CAFOD to end poverty and injustice !

Peace Pilgrimage

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 15:58:46 GMT

Richard Smart reflects on walking for peace for the Awareness Foundation.

The Reverend Nadim Nassar always signs off on his e-mails ‘Peace be with you’ not Kind Regards, Best Wishes, or Yours Sincerely etc. This indicates to me in this troubled world, be it Ukraine, Syria, or Palestine, that we in the UK take peace for granted despite two world wars which saw our country on the brink of disaster. Our memory is brief and short lived as, in May 2025 we celebrate eighty years from the end of the war. Peace is one of the most important things we can wish for each other.

The Awareness Foundation has its mission as ‘Peace through Education’ much of its work being through working with youth in the Middle East, and in, particular Syria. The Peace Pilgrimages were started in 2020. We walked from St George’s Chapel, Windsor through Windsor Park to Bagshot Park where HRH the Duchess of Edinburgh lives – a patron of the Awareness Foundation. Despite the scepticism of our American trustees (‘why are you doing that, everyone travels by car') this was a grand success raising £20,000 for our first peace walk. It has now become an annual ritual with pilgrimages to Westminster Abbey, St Pauls, Rochester Cathedral, and St Albans Abbey/Cathedral.

The ritual is important as it brings together worship, prayer, fellowship, and fund-raising ending at a cathedral or notable church. The walk from Aylesford Priory to Rochester Cathedral was a significant learning curve for me as a Blue Badge Guide. The Justus Way follows the banks of the Medway before ascending over the North Downs ridge south of Rochester, with the last section along the riverbank again to the Cathedral founded by St Justus – part of the outline of Justus’ original building can be seen outside the west front. I particularly remember the beautiful Aylesford Priory and welcome from the Carmelite order set in the Catholic tradition of pilgrimage. Within the Priory there is a beautiful garden dedicated to Peace.

Fortunately, I had pre-walked the route to Rochester as the pathway along the Medway was impassable due to undergrowth having remained uncleared and flooded. An alternative route along the lane was not safe as it now attracted speeding cars from a new housing development. So, we sought an alternative route up the Downs and across to the cathedral taking in account the various walking abilities of the walking group. A pub stop was essential! We had a very warm welcome from Rochester Cathedral and a short historic tour from the Dean before attending evensong, a marvellous end to the walk.

A similar experience was had walking along the River Ver to St Albans Cathedral. This was a route which paralleled the Watling Street but there was heavy rainfall prior to the walk. This resulted in widespread flooding seen on my pre-walk. I was determined not to lead my group into what had become flooded footpaths and effectively a swamp. So, an alternative was planned. Fortunately, on the day much of the water had subsided and we were able to find a way through with the help of an Ordnance Survey map. Again, the welcome from St Albans Cathedral was marvellous with an expert guide pointing out the two medieval shrines to St Alban and St Amphibalus and an enjoyable evensong.

So, what are the lessons learned? Always do a pre-walk planning for the unexpected and a risk analysis taking in account the abilities of your walkers. Be sure to have a first aid certificate and kit whilst being insured. Build in good opportunities for worship and prayer at the beginning and end of the walk. Bless the churches and cathedrals as you go and the Christian charity after the walk. This year we are looking to walk along the River Wey to Guildford cathedral. We endeavour to keep the Peace Pilgrimage ecumenical and enjoyed by all.

I have found these Peace Pilgrimages with the Awareness Foundation made me think more closely about peace in our society and internationally. How we can encourage a new generation not to make the same mistakes as we have in the past? I have met many interesting people on the way who are engaged in marvellous work for peace.

Peace be with you!

Richard Smart - Blue Badge and City of London Guide

The Awareness Foundation is a Christian, ecumenical, educational charity which was founded by The Revd Nadim Nassar in London in 2003 to empower Christians everywhere to be a counter force of love and peace to the intolerance and mistrust that now prevail in so many communities, and to build understanding between the faiths. The Awareness Foundation has provided support and services to over 2,000 children aged 6 to 12, across Syria, and has taught over 700 young people to be leaders in the Middle East, showing them how to handle conflict, how to transform and empower their communities, and how to build bridges with other faiths to promote peace and understanding. Outside the Middle East, the foundation helps Christians live their faiths fully and faithfully in this diverse, globalised world through education and through the work with Christian denominations that help them to prepare local responses to fundamentalism and fanaticism.

https://www.facebook.com/theawarenessfoundation1/

In Praise of the Useless Life

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 14:52:56 GMT

Eddie Gilmore explains how a pilgrimage along a forbidden track to Thomas Merton's hermitage helped him to understand the meaning of monastic life.

Brother Paul had kindly offered to show us the hermitage in the woods where Thomas Merton had lived for three years until his untimely death in 1968. I had read about this surprisingly eventful and, at times, turbulent time in Merton’s life; I had seen pictures of the hermitage in a wonderful book by John Howard Griffin called The Hermitage Years. To actually get to see the place would be the icing on the cake of our retreat at the Abbey of Gethsemani, the Trappist monastery in Kentucky that Merton had entered in 1941.

I had bought a book by Br. Paul in the abbey bookshop. It has the intriguing title, In Praise of the Useless Life, and I was struck by one of the opening lines. After his nearly six decades at Gethsemani he likens the monastic life to being on permanent vacation! He sounded like he would have some interesting tales to tell, and he didn’t disappoint! He was there to meet us in the church, as arranged, after the 2.15 none service and led us to the car park, which I knew to be in the opposite direction to the hermitage. “So where’s your car?” he enquired. “We haven’t got one,” I said. “Oh,” he went on, “I’ll have to go get the golf cart; wait there!” A couple of minutes later the metal gates to the monastic enclosure swung open and a golf cart duly appeared and was going at some speed as it crossed the parking lot with the 84-year-old monk at the steering wheel. We climbed in and he explained that the cart covered all terrain, before veering off the road and onto a steep grassy incline. At the top of which there was the start of a steep decline! To my relief he slowed down slightly for that section but he fairly put his foot down when he swung around the corner wall of the guest house garden and then hurtled along a decidedly uneven track next to the road. I was sure I was going to fall out. There was more unlevel ground on the way into the woods and I was hanging on for dear life. There was no side door on the cart and just a little handle to grab onto. No doubt there has been much modernisation at the monastery over the decades, but Health and Safety doesn’t seem to have arrived yet!

We were onto the dirt road through the woods that Yim Soon and I had ventured along on our first day. Br Paul turned up the track which had the sign telling people not to go there, and which I’d suspected was the way to the hermitage. This ‘forbidden’ track looped around the trees and finally there came into sight the white, single-story breeze block building that had been constructed in 1960. There are tall trees to the back and the sides and to the front there is a large clearing which affords wonderful views to the hills in the distance. And that, I was excited to see, would have been Merton’s view as he sat at his desk at the front window and gazed out.

Br Paul opened the door to the hermitage, although it didn’t appear to be kept locked. The concrete porch was much wider than I’d expected from the pictures, so too the main room at the front. The familiar fireplace was there in the centre with the rocking chair in front of it and a rug on the floor. There were a couple of other wooden chairs, and a bookcase with Merton’s books, including his published journals. There was a large portrait on the wall of a self-taken photo of Merton that’s in Griffin’s book. Everything looked pretty much as it did in the black and white pictures in that book. Except that now I was seeing it all in real life and in colour. And putting pieces of the jigsaw together. I could see how the kitchen was at the back. There was a coffee maker there amongst other things and I mentioned a line in the book (I’ve read it so many times I almost know it by heart). Someone had brought over a drip coffee maker he’d picked up at an auction for $1.25 and Merton remarked that it was the best coffee he’d had in a long while!’ Paul had known the man in question. “Friend of Merton,” he remarked.

The bedroom led off from the kitchen to the right; to the left was the small chapel which was added on in 1968 together with a toilet and shower. Previous to that there was just an outhouse in the woods. I quoted another line from the book, about Merton’s first use of that outhouse in the winter: ‘The outdoor jakes is a grievous shock in the freezing weather!’ Paul smiled, and then he suggested that we play ‘Merton roulette!’ This, Paul explained, involved me choosing with my eyes closed a volume of Merton’s journals and then him reading the entry for that particular date. I selected 1967/1968 and Paul flicked through the pages to December 23rd 1967. For some reason he skipped over that day’s piece and said he’d read instead from December 24th, which was Merton’s thoughts about a rather obscure article in Italian! That evening, Yim Soon took that 1967 journal from the guest house library and showed me the entry for December 23rd. It has a reference to ‘M’ i.e. Margie, the young student nurse that Meron had fallen in love with the year before, and which remarkable story is told with great candour and sensitivity (and with Margie’s permission) in Griffin’s book. The December 23rd entry also has Merton worrying about ‘The drab, futile silences of this artificial life, with all its tensions and pretences,’ and he wonders if he’d ‘really missed the point of life after all.’ I find such doubts, so honestly and eloquently expressed, to be eminently human. And perhaps there was an echo in that title chosen by Br. Paul for his book about monasticism: In Praise of the Useless Life.

The three of us stood out on the porch. It was warmer outside than inside! I asked if people still stayed in the hermitage and Paul explained that it was available for the monks to book. He had been there himself in August for a week and he enjoys the complete solitude it offers. We took photos: of us standing in front of the hermitage, of Yim Soon and Paul by the iconic waggon wheel leaning against the tall cross. I mentioned our walks in the Knobs. That’s a narrow arc of isolated and steep hills that partly runs through the abbey land. I noted how Merton used to write things like, “Took the novices for a hike in the Knobs.” I said how special it was for Yim Soon and I to be walking in those very Knobs. “Oh yes,” said Paul who had entered the monastery in 1958 at the age of 17 and when Merton had been novice master, “he used to have us all in those woods clearing and chopping.” Paul recalled how Merton would be at the front swinging a big axe, with a dozen young novices marching after him!

Paul had to get back for another appointment. He’s still active in the monastery in his eighties. We climbed back into the golf cart and he zoomed off down the track. “Do you want me to take you the back way?” he asked. “Oh yes,” I replied. It was another bumpy but fun trip with this lovely man who is full of youthful enthusiasm for a life which he (and even the great Thomas Merton) may worry is useless but which is clearly anything but. We drove around the periphery of the abbey, along the harvested corn fields and past the storage barns for the monks’ famous Kentucky Bourbon fruit cake and fudge. He dropped us back at the car park and then disappeared back into the enclosure. ‘Thank God for the useless life,’ I thought to myself as we wandered back to the guest house.

For more about Hearts in Search of God collaborator Eddie Gilmore and his writing on pilgrimage and follow this link .

Walk for Mary's Meals!

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 16:17:48 GMT

About Mary’s Meals

Mary’s Meals is a global movement that runs school feeding programmes in some of the world’s poorest communities, where poverty and hunger prevent children from gaining an education. These nutritious meals bring children into the classroom, and help them to make the most of their schooling, which can ultimately be their ladder out of poverty.

We are currently feeding 2,429,182 children in 16 countries round the world. Remarkably, thanks to our low-cost model and the work of thousands of volunteers, it costs just £19.15 to feed a child for a whole school year. Find out more at www.marysmeals.org.uk

Why walk for Mary’s Meals?

Our vision is that every child receives one daily meal in their place of education and that all those who have more than they need, share with those who lack even the most basic things. We believe that lots of little acts of love, including your walk, can change children’s lives.

How your pilgrimage could help the people we serve

You can support us by setting up a Just Giving page and choosing Mary’s Meals as the charity you want to support. We can help you promote your pilgrimage and your fundraising. Please contact us at info@marysmeals.org

Whilst on pilgrimage you may wish to pray for our mission

Prayer is one of the most important ways you can support our mission. Please have a look at the prayer resources on our website: https://www.marysmeals.org.uk/get-involved/churches-and-prayers

Contact:

You can contact us for support and more information by emailing info@marysmeals.org or by phoning 0800 698 1212

The Pilgrimage of Hope

Sun, 08 Dec 2024 10:56:25 GMT

The Pilgrimage of Hope is a national walking pilgrimage for England & Wales with four main Ways converging at the Cathedral of St Barnabas, Nottingham, on Saturday 13th September 2025, the eve of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

The Ways start at the Catholic cathedrals in Cardiff, Leeds, Norwich and London (see map above) and will bless our nations with a Sign of the Cross. The routes use established hiking routes and are off road as much as possible. A small group of 'perpetual pilgrims' will walk the full distance of each Way, with day pilgrims joining for stages. There are potential feeder routes to the four main Ways from all the other Catholic cathedrals of England & Wales.

The 2025 Jubilee has the motto 'pilgrims of hope' and the logo shows people coming from the four corners of the earth in solidarity. Pope Francis has written:

We live in times when despair would be easy. The Pilgrimage of Hope will be a way for Catholics and other Christians to witness to their faith and hope in the crucified and risen Christ across England & Wales. It will be an opportunity to experience walking a sustainable pilgrimage on foot as pilgrims of hope.

Help is needed trailblazing the four main Ways.

For more information about how to get involved click the button below.

Walking to Walsingham

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 17:02:23 GMT

Between March 2023 and May 2024, Karen Lawrence walked the 180 miles from London to the National Shrine of Our Lady in Walsingham. It was a slow and mostly solitary journey: a pilgrimage and a journey of discovery. She has recently published a book, Walking to Walsingham , to share her story and to encourage other pilgrims.

Walsingham in north Norfolk is one of my favourite places. The historic Slipper Chapel at the Roman Catholic Shrine, the site of the Holy House in the Abbey Gardens, and the beautiful Anglican Shrine together attract over a quarter of a million pilgrims each year. Most of these pilgrims travel by car or by coach.

The idea of walking to Walsingham occurred to me more than once, but it didn’t seem to be a thing that people did. I even looked at a map and wondered vaguely how long the journey might take, and where one might sleep on the way, but that was about it. I didn’t have the time anyway. Taking two weeks off to walk to Walsingham seemed like an impossible dream.

Then I came across a new guidebook* with maps, a carefully researched route, and suggestions about places to stay and eat. There were even links to GPX files so you could follow the maps on your phone. Once I knew the route existed, I realised I had to do it.

I decided to walk the pilgrimage in weekends and days off, using public transport, taxis, and my own car to get to the start and end of each section. This approach had its challenges, but turned out to be eminently do-able. The result was a slow pilgrimage, walked in different seasons of the year, through varying emotions and life events. I looked forward to each walk as a welcome escape from my daily life, an opportunity to pray, reflect, and discover.

The pilgrim route from London to Walsingham follows rivers and ancient trails, traversing forests and exploring historic towns and villages. On the way I encountered medieval churches, ruined abbeys and the largest turf labyrinth in the world. I worshipped in a cathedral, wept over a memorial to dead daughters, and ate a lot of big breakfasts.

After each weekend of walking I wrote about my travels, using the guidebook as well as my own research and observations to inform my reflections. These records became the chapters of my book, illustrated with photographs from my pilgrimage.

‘Walking to Walsingham’ is my pilgrimage story. Join me as I slog through mud, marvel at Anglo-Saxon art, and get lost in a military training zone. Share my journey of discovery, encountering mad March hares, East Anglian saints, and bats in belfries. Learn about flintknappers, Roman burial mounds, and Walsingham’s two modern-day shrines.

Discover the blessings of a slow walk through nature, history and faith.

The book concludes with my top tips for planning your own pilgrimage walk.

‘Walking to Walsingham: My Pilgrimage to England’s Nazareth’ by Karen Lawrence is available from Amazon as a paperback or Kindle ebook.

*The guidebook I used is called London to Walsingham Camino - The Pilgrimage Guide , written by Andy Bull and published by Trailblazer Guides in 2022. More information here .

Help wanted to develop the Camino Inglés in England

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 12:33:35 GMT

Are you a pilgrim or a keen local walker? Are you familiar with sections of the Viking Way and/or the Queen Eleanor Crosses Way?

Friends of Finchale Camino in County Durham have been working over a number of years to develop the Camino Inglés pilgrimage route from Finchale Priory to join with the St James Way at Reading. The route, which starts near Durham City goes from the Priory to Durham Cathedral and onwards through Bishop Auckland, Richmond, Ripon and York. In August 2024 Friends of Finchale Camino featured in the BBC programme Songs of Praise. You can find out more about them by following the link https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002268d ( As well as the whole programme there is also a small section solely about Godric, Finchale Priory and the Camino available there.) We also have a Facebook Page called The Finchale Camino Ingles, Durham, a pilgrimage way

The Finchale Camino group now has a route mapped out as far as the Humber Bridge and hope to continue to develop the route through Lincolnshire, making use of the Viking Way and the established, if a little neglected, Queen Eleanor Crosses Way. To enable them to do this the group is looking for enthusiastic local people who might check sections of the proposed route to assess ease, suitability and to help seek permissions to post signs along the route, to attach those signs and to ensure that a trail route is developed that is safe, clear and unambiguous. Having people with ‘boots on the ground’ locally is a great help in assessing that sections of a route are workable and walkable!

If you think you might be able to help and would like to find out more please contact Friends of Finchale Camino at thefinchalecamino@gmail.com

Publication of 'From the Crowned Mountain'

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 16:59:46 GMT

A Pilgrimage on the Via Francigena across the Alps from Laon to Aosta and Turin.

The Via Francigena is the ancient pilgrim route from Canterbury to Rome – 1900 kms through some of the most beautiful and dramatic scenery in England, France, Switzerland and Italy. Nick Dunne resumes his walking pilgrimage at The Crowned Mountain, the medieval hilltop city of Laon in Picardy, for a journey which takes him through the battlefields of the Chemin des Dames to Besançon and Lausanne and along the route of Napoleon's daring military expedition across the Alps to Aosta. The pilgrimage introduces him to a Christian heritage lost in Britain and to questions of Faith that bemuse believers and non-believers alike. The normal routines of life are disturbed on this challenging journey where even small acts of kindness can illuminate a pilgrim's day.

Nick Dunne has been a social and community worker for over 40 years and, until his retirement in 2021, was Director of the community charity, Bede House, in south London. He is currently Chair of Trustees of the Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome, a charity that promotes the Via Francigena to walkers and cyclists from across the world.

From the Crowned Mountain is available in paperback and e-book from on-line bookstores and the Pilgrims to Rome bookshop From the Crowned Mountain – Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome

Another Day in Paradise- the magic of the Camino

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 10:38:54 GMT

Pilgrim and writer Eddie Gilmore reflects on his recent journey with his wife along the Camino to Finistere.

I can’t think there are many places in the world with scenery so varied and so stunning; with the opportunity to share stories and meals, and to laugh, cry and sing with people from all over the world; where twenty-year-olds are happy to hang out with men and women thrice their age; and where we willingly walk an average of twenty-five kilometres a day for thirty-three days straight, all the while carrying a rucksack. Not to mention spending the night in a dormitory full of bunk beds, or perhaps on the floor of a big room with slanted walls and creaking floorboards, and to think it’s the greatest and most fun adventure we ever had.

Indeed I’m not sure there is any experience that comes anywhere close to walking the Camino. One of my fellow-pilgrims on my second stretch on the Camino in 2016 was Hollyanne from the States and as she says in my book ‘Another Day in Paradise,’ “I am incapable of believing there is another cultural experience that can satiate in the same way my perennial desire for travel and human connection.”

It’s hard to pick highlights from my 2024 walk because there are so many but I’ll compile a short list and group them roughly in the category of eating and singing, both of which activities I enjoyed immensely on the Camino:

1. Tosantos. The sleeping on the floor mentioned above was at a ‘donativo’ albergue, about ten days into the walk, by which time some of us knew each other pretty well. In addition to a bed for the night in a donativo, you get a communal meal (that you’ve helped to cook!), plus breakfast in the morning. And you leave a little donation. They are usually in lovely, quirky old buildings and there is often a lovely chapel with a time of prayer or sharing in the evening. The chapel in the albergue of St Francis in Tosantos is especially beautiful and we had there a most touching night prayer. And then the large group of us of all nationalities and ages bedded down on the floor but nobody wanted to go to sleep because it was like the most fun sleep over ever!

2. The donativo albergue in Bercianos. Like at Tosantos, there was a banquet of a meal, plus communal sunset gazing, then a gathering in the chapel during which each person was invited to say what had brought them on the Camino. A group of us also sang some Taizé chants and right at the end I was asked to sing the song I’d written after my first time walking on the Camino in 2015, ‘El Camino.’

3. The singing nuns albergue in Carrión de los Condes. I’d had a special time there in 2016 and I was keen to return. I wasn’t disappointed. There were more Taizé chants, I sang ‘El Camino,’ as well as telling briefly the story of how the song had been inspired, and I led a communal cooking session in the kitchen, after which there followed another feast.

4. Arrival into Santiago. Even though this didn’t involve eating or singing it was possibly one of the most incredible experiences of my life. It was our third time to be arriving in the famous Praza do Obradoiro in front of the cathedral where, for centuries, pilgrims have ended their journeys. The first time, in 2017, it was a complete anti-climax. Yim Soon and I had left our albergue early in the morning and in the dark to reach Santiago for the noon mass and on the way into the city had made a fruitless search for accommodation. I got to the square tired, hungry and stressed. In 2023 we were there again following our Portuguese Coastal Camino. We gave each other a hug and it was quite nice although as we’d done a less popular route we didn’t know so many people. Our 2024 arrival was on another level. We’d had a big breakfast and a leisurely departure from O Pedrouzo for the final 19 km, and we’d stopped on the way for café con leche and a big slice of Santiago cake. Once into the city, we made straight for the cathedral and passed the famous bagpiper. We turned the corner into the vast square and there was a huge cheer. Lots of our Camino gang were already there in the centre of the square and they formed a guard of honour for us. We passed through, I flung off my rucksack, and, with tears streaming down my face, I hugged each of those lovely people that we’d shared our lives with for nearly five weeks.

Just in case anyone reading this gets the impression that the Camino is one big pain-free party, I should point out that walking long distances day after day with that bag on your back, and then perhaps finding yourself in a dormitory with the world’s loudest snorer, can be tough. Some people had blisters that covered almost the whole of their foot. One of our fellow pilgrims, Michael, with whom we had sung and shared a feast of a shared meal, died of a heart attack on the steep ascent to the O Cebreiro peak. Our dear Taiwanese friend, I Hua had saved up two years’ of holiday to fulfil a long-standing dream of walking the Camino; then was hobbling along slowly much of the time due to sore feet. But whenever she saw us she broke into a big smile. And when we bumped into her again right at the end ‘by chance’ at Finisterre (the end of the earth) she said simply, “Amazing, very amazing!”

Yes, the Camino has its ups and downs, geographically as well as emotionally, just like life in general, and sometimes spectacularly so. And yet, there is such pure joy that I felt at times that my heart could burst with happiness. There is playfulness and laughter. There are songs and stories. And there is a satisfying simplicity to each day. You get up in the morning and scrunch your sleeping bag back into its holder, you pack your world into your rucksack, and you follow those yellow arrows to the next place along the way; with nothing to worry about except where the next café con leche is coming from. Well, perhaps also if there’s going to be a bed for you at the end of the day! It’s surprising to discover how little we need to live a contented life. When one of my three walking tops vanished into the black hole which was the Burgos launderette I was annoyed for a bit but then found that, with extra washing, I could cope fine with just the two. Likewise, when I unwittingly gifted one of my three pairs of thick outer socks to the English albergue in Rabanal! And when one of our two travelling towels went walkies, we just had to share the other! Plus it was less weight to carry!

I’ll conclude with one more highlight, and this is back on the theme of eating and singing!

5. Nájera. This is about a week into the Camino Francés and I especially wanted to stay in the communal albergue because of what had happened there nine years before and I especially wanted to cook a meal for some of the wonderful people that Yim Soon and I had been walking with. After our feast of a meal I picked up a guitar and before singing ‘El Camino’ I told the story of what had happened in 2015. I had been there with my friend James, who had brought with him from his home in Australia a stove and a billy can. I had brought from England a packet of tea! We were sitting in the early morning on a bench outside that albergue waiting for the water in the billy to boil for our tea. The sun was just starting to rise above the tall trees, the birds were beginning to sing, and there was the pleasing sound of rushing water from the nearby river. We were sitting there in silence and then James said the words which inspired both a song and the title of a book and which I often repeated to the amazing people that we shared our lives with for thirty-three truly unforgettable days along a path in Spain in the Autumn of 2024: “Another Day in Paradise.”

Eddie Gilmore

More about Eddie's books can be found here .

The Autumn Hearts in Search of God newsletter

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 18:08:57 GMT

Welcome to the Autumn 2024 Hearts in Search of God Project newsletter. The project has reached an important milestone as I have now walked, written up and published Pilgrim Ways in all the Catholic dioceses of England & Wales.

There are also Pilgrim Ways for the Ukrainian and Syro-Malabar eparchies, the Bishopric of the Armed Forces and the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham. Details of the inner and outer journeys, walking guidance, maps and GPX files can be downloaded for them all for free here . I am always grateful for feedback about the routes so please let me know if you walk one.

My last walk was the St Philomena’s Way in the Diocese of Shrewsbury. I was delighted to be joined by Theresa Alessandro , presenter of the All Kinds of Catholic podcast. Our conversation can be found here . I am also grateful to Catherine Mangham for walking much of the route and greatly improving it and for her company for two days of the walk.

Shrines

As part of the project I have become interested in shrines. Anyone can set up a shrine in their own home: simply a place for prayer, perhaps with an image or a candle. In Catholic countries wayside shrines are common. The Church recognises a shrine officially if people make pilgrimages to it and it is approved by the local bishop. There are four types:

Diocesan shrines, approved by the bishop of the diocese.
National shrines, approved by the Bishops' Conference of the Province, in this case England & Wales.
International shrines, such as Lourdes, approved by the Holy See. There are no international shrines in England & Wales.
Pontifical shrines, established personally by the pope of the time. We have one in Kings Lynn in the Diocese of East Anglia.

I have identified 49 shrines in England & Wales, some ancient, some modern, some cared for by the Church and some by other organisations. I would like a full half century, so if anyone knows of the 50 ^th I would be very grateful! More details of the shrines here .

Resources

There are new resources for group pilgrimage including:

The Pilgrim Cross experience of group walking pilgrimage , by Alison Gelder
Developing a Good Pilgrimage Route , by Andrew Kelly
The Challenges of Building Fundraising into a Pilgrimage , by Dominic DeBoo

Going deeper

Articles on the ‘Going Deeper’ webpages provide context and expert background to pilgrimage. The latest is by:

Canon Chris Thomas , General secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales on the hope that does not disappoint, and what it means to be a ‘pilgrim of hope’ during the Jubilee.

I am grateful to Fr Chris and the others who have contributed their time and expertise which really adds to the resources on the website.

News, Stories & Events

Thanks to all those who have contributed stories over the last few months. Topics include:

From Worcester to Peterborough on a pilgrimage neither guided nor self-guided by John Chenery
A Pilgrimage Walk along the St Cuthbert’s Way by Andrew Sowerby
Taizé - A Pilgrimage of Trust on Earth by Eddie Gilmore
A Parish Pilgrimage to Bishop Eton by John Elcock
CrossWalk Pilgrims by Julie & Garth Butcher
'My strength tells me No, but the path demands Yes' by Frans A. Vossenberg

Feedback on the Ways

I would be grateful for any feedback you have about the proposed Ways, and especially any route updates and changes . After your pilgrimage remember to download your certificate of completion .

If you have a story or a pilgrim resource or event to share, please contact me through the website. Please feel free to share his newsletter with people who may be interested. I hope you enjoy the website, designed by the wonderful people at Everyday Christian Marketing .

Wishing you every blessing and joy of this ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’, and buen camino!

Phil McCarthy, Project Lead

All Kinds of Catholic podcast: Walking the Shrewsbury Pilgrim Way

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 13:38:54 GMT

At the start of walking St Philomena's Way in the Diocese of Shrewsbury, Hearts in Search of God project lead Phil McCarthy was interviewed by Theresa Alessandro for her All Kinds of Catholic podcast.

The All Kinds of Catholic podcast includes conversations with different Catholics, giving glimpses into some of the ways they are living their faith today. Pope Francis has used the image of a caravan to describe the Church: a diverse group of people travelling on a sometimes chaotic journey together. This image has helped to shape the podcast. Theresa hopes the podcast will encourage, affirm and sometimes challenge listeners. She is too in these conversations. The link to the recording is below.

St Philomena's Way is Ready to Walk!

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:23:02 GMT

St Philomena's Way is a Pilgrim Way for the Diocese of Shrewsbury from the Cathedral of Our Lady Help of Christians & Saint Peter of Alcantara in Shrewsbury to the Shrine Church of Ss Peter & Paul and St Philomena in New Brighton. St Philomena was a C4 virgin martyr whose remains were discovered in 1802 in the Catacomb of Priscilla. She is the patron saint of infants, babies, and youth.

The Way passes Shrewsbury Abbey and then follows the north bank of the River Severn out of Shrewsbury to reach the remains of Haughmond Abbey. The Way follows the Shropshire Way to Wen and the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. The path follows the Shropshire Way to Hollingwood where the route continues north across farmland to reach the Church of St George, Whitchurch. From Whitchurch the Way follows a north-west direction along the beautiful Sandstone Trail. Farmland is crossed to reach the Shropshire Union Canal and follow the Two Saints Way to Chester. After passing the Churches of St Werburgh and St Francis Assisi and Chester Cathedral the Way re-joins the Shropshire Union Canal to the Church of Our Lady, Star of the Sea, Ellesmere Port.

Here pilgrims can ether take the train straight to New Brighton or walk on through the Wirral with its rich Catholic history. Walkers may visit St Patrick’s Well, Port Sunlight, and the churches of Christ the King, Bromborough; St John the Evangelist, New Ferry; St Anne, Rock Ferry; St Joseph, Birkenhead; St Werburgh, Birkenhead; Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Birkenhead; and Our Lady, Star of the Sea, & St Joseph, Wallasey. The route reaches the Mersey estuary and the King Charles III England Coast Path before finally turning inland to the Shrine Church of Ss Peter & Paul and St Philomena, New Brighton.

I am grateful to Catherine Manghan who walked the Way in advance and greatly helped to improve the route.

From Worcester to Peterborough on a pilgrimage neither guided nor self-guided

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 15:29:30 GMT

This August, a group of pilgrims set out from Worcester on a two-week-long trek. The average daily group size was 37, most walking all the way. Over 50 pilgrims took part in total. This was the 2024 walk of the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton Ecumenical Walking Pilgrimage.

Since 1975 we have organised an annual pilgrimage somewhere in England and Wales. Some years our destination is a cathedral celebrating a particular anniversary and some years our route is just wherever inspires us. This year we decided to link three cathedral cities that we had never visited before: Worcester, Coventry and Peterborough.

We sleep on the floors of village halls, church halls or churches. We have a van that carries our luggage, a support car that gives us refreshments along the way, and a catering team who go on ahead and prepare our evening meal, but the really distinctive thing about our pilgrimage is how we walk. Each day has a leader or leaders who have planned and recce'd their route in advance. The leaders put up orange cardboard marker arrows, the pilgrims follow the arrows at their own pace, and back-markers take down the arrows which are then reused. This makes our pilgrimage a compromise between "guided" and "self-guided". Pilgrims can and do spend some of the day walking in a small group and some of the day walking on their own, and this year pilgrims who were walking with us for the first time said how much they appreciated this. We averaged 15 miles a day.

I found that the mood was relaxed and convivial. It was good to see pilgrims old and new mucking in and enjoying the pilgrimage spirit. The route was gentle and perhaps surprisingly rural. We found ways in and out of city and town centres that involved little urban walking. We followed canals, rivers and various long distance walking routes across the countryside, stopping for prayer in the churches that we passed and finding rest and sustenance in pubs. Once a day we held or attended a longer act of worship in various forms, facilitated by having a Catholic chaplain with us all the way and an Anglican chaplain some of the way. A personal highlight was the visits to the new Coventry Cathedral and the adjacent ruins of the old cathedral. Our group was privileged to be allowed to explore both Coventry and Peterborough cathedrals at times when they would normally by closed, in order to fit in with our schedule. As we went along we made a record of our daily adventures in our web diary www.thepilgrims.org.uk/2024 Some of the pictures are included here.

Planning for our 2025 pilgrimage is under way. As well as being the Holy Year with its theme "Pilgrims of Hope", 2025 is the 50th anniversary of our first pilgrimage so our route will be within our home diocese of Arundel and Brighton. Details and booking forms will be available early in the new year.

John Chenery

A Pilgrimage Walk along the St Cuthbert’s Way

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 11:13:21 GMT

Andrew Sowerby, National President of the Catenians of Great Britain, describes a fruitful pilgrim walk to Lindisfarne in September 2024.

It seems a lifetime ago when I first mooted the possibility of arranging a pilgrimage walk along the 62.5-mile St Cuthbert’s Way between Melrose and Lindisfarne situated off the Northumberland coast. As the newly elected National President of the Great Britain National Council of the Catenians, I’d often been asked by many in the Association where I was planning to visit during my year in office and if I was going to arrange a pilgrimage to one of the more traditional pilgrimage sites such as Rome, Lourdes, or Fatima.

However deep down I wanted to arrange something slightly different and combine my love for walking with something more spiritual not unlike the Camino to Santiago De Compostela in Northern Spain. I wanted to organise a pilgrimage which all in the Association could, if they wished, join in without enduring great expense as well celebrating the wonderful recently opened up pilgrimage trails in the United Kingdom. Hence, I very quickly settled on the St Cuthbert’s Way in what is still currently an under explored area of the country with its unspoilt routes across the Cheviots and providing those participating with a chance to reflect upon the lives of the many early saints of the Catholic church who have a connection to the area.

As John Tweddle the Director of Province 3 and I began the planning process I never truly realised how encompassing the whole experience would become as our lives seemed to revolve around making preparations including arranging accommodation for our fellow pilgrims, collating people’s personal information, researching the lives of the northern saints connected with the early church, writing and producing the walking and safety instructions for all participating, creating prayer booklets, upgrading my first aid skills and organising the final Mass to name just some. This I’ve had to deal with along with the carrying out my other duties as National President as well as trying to get some walking practice in so that I too could manage the physical challenges of completing the pilgrimage!

I know that with 24 hours to go before I left home for our base in Wooler, I was feeling somewhat frayed and frazzled as I desperately hoped that nothing had been forgotten, and that please God all would go well especially regarding the logistics of transporting a group of twenty plus fellow pilgrims to the start of each days walk and then ensuring they were safely transported back to their accommodation each evening. These concerns were also added to the fact we both desperately hoped that all those walking would co-operate and fully engage in the purpose of the pilgrimage and that finally that the notoriously unpredictable British weather would be kind to us all.

However, we needn’t have worried as the fellowship, camaraderie and friendship that developed amongst the whole group was everything John and I wished for whilst even the weather though not perfect generally behaved itself especially when we were walking along the route. As we arrived in Wooler on the afternoon of 4 ^th September and gathered together for our evening meal John and I were delighted at the way that all people gelled together so that by the end of the evening and certainly after the celebration of Morning Prayer and Holy Mass at St Ninians Church the next morning there was a real feeling that we were beginning on a journey which would help us to reflect upon our shared faith and a love of walking in the great outdoors.

As someone who has walked many of the major National Trails across the length and breadth of the United Kingdom such as the Pennine Way, Wainwrights Coast to Coast route and the West Highland Way I have yet to come across the start of a route which is begins with such a brutal climb as that the 139 steps out of Melrose to the summit of the Eildon Hills better known as “The Three Witches.” This was certainly a challenge to even the fittest and most well-prepared walkers let along those who don’t walk often or far. However, it was wonderful to see how the stronger walkers stayed behind to support and encourage those who were struggling so that eventually all eventually reached the summit. This set the pattern for the whole pilgrimage walk as everyone supported each other when they were finding the going hard especially on the uphill and muddy downhill sections where often one slithered and slid down slopes.

Each day of the walk began with morning prayer which included a short reading about the lives of the different saints of the early Northern church especially those connected with the spread of Christianity in this part of the United Kingdom. Hence each day we reflected upon the struggles of St Cuthbert himself as well as St Wilfrid, St Oswald, St Hilda and St Aidan as well as some of the less well-known saints of the time. As we prayed together, we recited our pilgrimage prayer ending with the most appropriate words of Bishop John Arnold “Stay with us Lord on our journey.” Then we relied upon the support teams of drivers who assisted us in ensuring that all walkers were transported to the start of the days walk. This logistical support was invaluable as it also ensured that at the end of each day well all pilgrims were also safely transported back to their accommodation.

For those who are unaware of the route following the descent from The Three Witches one travels through the picturesque village of Bowden with its iconic pant well an early source of water for the village and on through the rolling Scottish countryside alongside the beautiful River Tweed. This included passing the lovely 9-hole golf course at St Boswell which would be ideal course for Catenian golfers to play on as it is virtually flat. However, I’m quite certain that many would find it expensive replacing all the balls they might lose either in the courses’ water hazards as well as the River Tweed itself. As one travelled along either in companionable silence or during the recital of the daily rosary one could not help but be impressed by the beauty of the scenery that surrounded us as well as the variety of the flora and fauna we saw and which included herons, deer, cattle, peewits and even the odd snake.

As the week progressed the scenery changed once we’d passed Morebattle and started to ascend Wide Open Hill at the foothills of the Cheviots close to the little village of Kirk Yetholm the site of the end of the Pennine Way. Here we were once again faced with the challenge of a steep ascent up the now bleak moorland into the mist and low cloud that shrouded the summit of the hill. Once again it was lovely to see the support provided to all walkers by the group as in due course all reached the summit and noted that the halfway point had been reached.

Each day so far, the unpredictable British weather had been relatively kind with either cool cloudy mornings or days of gentle autumn sunshine excellent for walking. However, Monday morning, the day when we were to walk the 13.5 miles from Kirk Yetholm to Wooler, began with a real change. As I woke at 6.30 a.m. it was to hear the rain pelting against the windowpane whilst the wind was rattling the branches of the trees so that leaves, paper, and other litter were being swept along the street. However, by the time that we gathered for morning prayer the rain had dried up, and we recited our prayers under blue skies even though the wind remained exceedingly gusty. This change in the weather did not deter any of my fellow pilgrims as all strode off purposely to face the various physical challenges of the ascent up the Cheviots to the tiny hamlet of Hethpool where our noble photographer Graham at last was able to use his drone to obtain some of the stunning aerial shots of the walkers. By the time we’d lunched and then continued the wind had subsided and we strolled into Wooler having passed an adder, England’s only poisonous snake, who was out sunbathing in the later afternoon autumnal sun. Very sensibly, no one provoked him, and all gave him an exceedingly wide berth!!

Having crossed the Cheviots, we continued with the walk up to St Cuthbert’s Cave the place where the monks who’d rescued St Cuthbert’s remains from the Viking invaders and transported it to its final resting place in Durham Cathedral paused to rest on their journey. Consequently, we too paused and recited the rosary in one of the most iconic venues on the whole pilgrimage. Gathered together to pray where the monks who’d followed in St Cuthbert’s footsteps had stopped to rest on their journey to Durham was to us all a fitting place to pause on our journey to Lindisfarne.

The following day we began after morning prayer and the logistical effort of transporting twenty plus pilgrims to the edge of the causeway we began the walk across the sands by the traditional pilgrims route. Without asking I was so impressed that all who participated were determined to walk to Lindisfarne the traditional way barefoot across the sands following truly in the footsteps of St Cuthbert himself. Eventually as we reached the island itself, we gathered in the tiny chapel of St Aidan for the joyful celebration of Holy Mass by Bishop John and Fr Shawn O’Neill the parish priest of the area. In his homily Bishop John reminded us of the fact that a pilgrimage is a journey and that the walking of the St Cuthbert’s Way is a true pilgrimage as it give us all the opportunity to reflect upon our lives as ‘Ambassadors for Christ’ and ‘Missionary Disciples.’

It is always difficult to assess the success of any event and to evaluate its effect upon people but in the case of a pilgrimage it is even more difficult because it is such a personal thing. However, as the fearless pilgrims began their journey home and back to day-to-day life most passed on their thoughts to us. Consequently, comments such as “This pilgrimage has enhanced our understanding of how having a connection in faith helps deepen our connections to new friendships” whilst another said, “Great memories of love, friendship, support achievement, fun and laughter” whilst the final comment comes from a fellow pilgrim who like me has completed the Camino De Santiago simply said “Buen Camino!!”

So, my concerns at the outset were totally unfounded as the pilgrimage walk along the St Cuthbert’s Way was simply an outstanding week which enhanced my faith, strengthened my commitment to the values of the Association as well developing new friendships and providing great fun for all those who participated. An absolutely wonderful experience.

Andrew Sowerby.

The Catenians are a network of Catholic men who meet regularly to enjoy each other’s company

and to help and support each other throughout the world.

Founded in Manchester, Catenians can now be found in many countries and today are active throughout the U.K., Ireland, Australia, Malta, India, Bangladesh Zimbabwe, South Africa and Nazareth.

Taizé- A Pilgrimage of Trust on Earth

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 12:21:20 GMT

Hearts in Search of God collaborator Eddie Gilmore describes a recent pilgrimage to Taizé in France with his wife Yim Soon.

One of many great encounters in our recent week at Taizé was with a German couple, Andy (Andreas) and Uli (Ulrike). I met Andy for the first time during breakfast in the Adult’s field. We were sitting there with our brown, plastic trays upon which was our red, plastic bowl of hot chocolate or lemon tea and next to it a bread roll with two chocolate sticks and a little sachet of butter and I asked him how his week was going. “I declare it to be five stars,” he said, and added, “Bread and chocolate, what more do you need?” I agreed and told him about another German man, Olaf that I’d met there. Olaf explained to me that he’d had the choice between an ‘All-inclusive trip to Turkey,’ or a week at Taizé. I pointed out to Andy that Taizé was truly the all-inclusive experience! And I said to Olaf later in the week, “If you’d gone to Turkey, you’d have paid much more money, had much less enjoyment, and not met all of these amazing people!” He agreed.

It was about my eighth time in that wonderful place, perched on a hillside amidst the beautiful Burgundy countryside and home to an interdenominational and international community of around eighty brothers, so too some sisters. One of my previous visits had been exactly thirty years before with my wife, Yim Soon when she had been pregnant with our first child and it was special to be back there together. Mind you, I was happy on this occasion that we didn’t have to sleep in a tent! Over the years, I’ve also been there with friends, with groups from L’Arche, with our children, and I’ve three times spent a week in the men’s silence house!

The brothers use the term ‘Pilgrimage of trust on earth’ to depict something of the Taizé experience, and as with places of pilgrimage the world over, the very stones on the ground seem to have been sanctified by the footsteps upon them of group after group of people who come with their unique stories and with their joys and their hopes and their burdens. I always do a lot of walking when I’m at Taizé. I was excited on one of my morning walks this time to spot on a signpost the symbol of a scallop shell and a yellow arrow. I was on a Camino path! And on a signpost a bit further on there was the cross of St Francis, which meant that I was also on a bit of the Via Francigena! It was especially poignant for me as Yim Soon and I would in the coming months be walking on both ancient pilgrimage routes.

Also in common with pilgrimage everywhere, there is a satisfying simplicity about the life at Taizé (as Andy had pointed out with regard to the breakfast), and there is deep encounter. We’re all out of our comfort zones and we might be seeing one another in our vulnerable moments, for example first thing in the morning or if we’re having a bad day, or just going in and out of the communal toilets and showers! A sort of stripping away can take place, and there emerges a profound sharing of personal stories. It’s also a place of incredible levity and laughter. One day, when we were sitting with our plastic trays eating our supper in the field with Andy and Uli, I asked them about their first ever visits to Taizé (for Uli it had been 1984, and for Andy in 1985, the year before my first visit) and then I asked how they met. Significantly, it had been on a night train taking young people from Germany to the Taizé European meeting in Paris in 1988, and we all roared with laughter at their lovely story. And the following evening, when Yim Soon and I told the story of how we got together, we all hooted with laughter again.

I didn’t spend all of my time eating, sharing stories, laughing, and walking, important as those activities are. I also loved the prayer. Taizé is a monastic community and the daily life revolves around the three times of common prayer in the cavernous church, which has been extended over the years to accommodate the growing numbers of people who were coming. I love that church. Again there’s a simplicity to it and an egalitarianism too. There are no benches or chairs in the main body of the church so that everyone is sitting or kneeling together on the floor. There are lots of candles and icons. And, of course, there are the famous Taizé chants. They are short texts, perhaps from a passage of scripture, in various languages, and usually in four parts. And they are sung over and over again. They never fail to bring tears to my eyes, or to touch fond past memories of when I’ve sat or knelt in that holy place. And they are testament to the saying commonly attributed to St Augustine that to sing is to pray twice. Also, as someone wrote on the noticeboard next to where there is served the 5 p.m. lemon tea and snack (another fine Taizé tradition!), “Where else do you get to sing in Malagasi?”

The week flies by, as usual. We say our sad goodbyes and we go our separate ways. I’d pointed out one day to those I was eating with that we probably wouldn’t see each other ever again once the week was finished. But how we touch one another’s hearts for that precious little moment in time.

A Parish Pilgrimage to Bishop Eton

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 11:25:37 GMT

In this article, first published in the August 2024 edition of the Archdiocese of Liverpool's Catholic Pictorial, John Elcock describes his parish's first walking Parish Pilgrimage from the Blessed Sacrament Shrine in Liverpool city centre to the historic Shrine to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour at Bishop Eton in Woolton.

We start in the heart of the city. Dawson St is adjacent to Queen Square bus station, with all the attendant hustle and bustle of a busy Saturday morning in Liverpool. Many visitors would be unaware however that behind an unassuming porch facing the taxi rank is a place of sanctity and prayer.

The Blessed Sacrament Shrine moved here in 1985 as a focus of Eucharistic devotion, under an apostolic mission of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. On our visit, the first of several daily Masses was nearing completion and the simple piety showed by the large congregation, representing the many diverse backgrounds and nations in the city, was a humbling and profoundly moving start to our pilgrim journey.

From Whitechapel we turn left and head up Church St with all the secular distractions offered by a busy retail district of a large city. Take a moment perhaps to pop into Pauline Books where the ministry of the Daughters of St Paul continues to provide an alternative source of meaning to the lives of all the busy shoppers passing by. At the top of Bold St the remains of St Luke's Church give us a chance to reflect on conflict, the tragedy of war and the ongoing need to pray for peace in our troubled world. From Leece St turn left onto Hope St, bookended by its two great Cathedrals, and reminding us of the fruitful strides for Christian unity made by Archbishop Worlock and Bishop Sheppard throughout the 1980s.

Enter the Metropolitan Cathedral to Christ the King. A circular walk around its giant nave is an act of prayer in itself, an almost overwhelming experience. Pause at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and light a candle for someone you love at the Lady Chapel. The exhilarating sound of the newly refurbished organ accompanied us joyfully down the piazza and east into Oxford St. Outside of term time the University is quieter and the peace camp at Abercromby Square has moved on. Learning is at the heart of our faith, our Universities an important part of our civic culture. We walk by thinking of St Anselm and his encouragement to seek an understanding of both.

Turn right onto Crown St. Bear left, and walk across Crown Street Park; even in the city we are reminded of God's creation through birdsong and the beauty of its trees. At Overbury St you may take a short diversion north if you wish to St Anne's RC Church, served by the wonderful city mission of Fr Peter Morgan. At the time of our pilgrimage this area had just witnessed the tragedy of the summer disturbances, light and hope however was joyfully evident in a group of community

volunteers gardening and painting at the asylum centre.

Head east along Smithdown Lane then left onto Earle Rd. We pass the magnificent brick frontage of St Dunstan's with its symbols of the four Evangelists, then continue onto Lawrence Rd past St Hugh's RC Church, the tall bell tower of St Bridget & St Thomas, and along the high street rich with the busy comings and goings of the many new communities, who as diverse generations before, seek to build new lives in our city.

At the junction of Wellington Rd, turn left. Walk north past Frontline Church where many young people now explore faith and friendship at the site of a former drill hall. Turn right into Wavertree Park and aim for the path between the running track and the football pitches. Walk across 'The Mystery' along the avenue of trees to the gates on Fir Lane then past the churchyard of Holy Trinity to the junction of Woolton Rd. At this point of our pilgrimage we are now on our final stretch with less than a mile to the monastery at Bishop Eton.

Passing St Stephen's URC on your right continue along Woolton Rd to its busy junction on Queens Drive. Cross carefully then continue straight and into the pleasant suburbs of South Liverpool. Pass Green Lane on your right, where back in 1982 Pope St John Paul II stayed during his visit to Liverpool. A little further turn right into the grounds of Bishop Eton.

We end our parish pilgrimage in the Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation, served by the Redemptorists, and which holds the first copy outside of Rome of the famous icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. In 2023 parishioners at Bishop Eton, working with the Redemptorist community, set-up a new lay-led Shrine Ministry, re-establishing the weekly Novena service and with exciting plans for Bishop Eton to become yet again a place of pilgrimage. Since 1866 generations of Liverpudlians have walked to the Shrine at Bishop Eton to ask the intercession of Our Blessed Lady, and by completing this walk we felt not just a sense of

achievement but also a greater understanding of the richness of our city and the power of walking as a form of prayer. As families of parishes, we can pray that the 2025 Holy Year which Pope Francis has titled Pilgrims of Hope is our chance to to get to know each other as Christians, just a little better.

Details

Blessed Sacrament Shrine, Dawson Street, L1 1LE to Our Lady of the Annunciation, Bishop Eton, Woolton L16 8NQ. Distance: 4.5 miles (7.3km), 2 hours of walking, mostly flat and wheelchair accessible.

Guidance

Please travel with caution and observe all traffic signals. Please check church opening times in advance.

John Elcock is a member of the Shrine Ministry Team at Bishop Eton.

Useful links

www.blessedsacramentuki.org

www.bishopeton.org.uk

www.ourladyshrine.org

The Holystone Way is Ready to Walk!

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 08:00:00 GMT

The Holystone Way is a Pilgrim Way for the Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle. The destination of the Way is the Lady’s Well at Holystone. The C5 missionary St Ninian is said to have preached here and to have baptised converts to Christianity in the well pool. St Paulinus is also linked to the Shrine.

The route is 53.9 miles long, involves gentle climbs and passes through some remote countryside.

From the Cathedral of St Mary in Newcastle the route passes through central Newcastle calling at the churches of St Andrew and St Dominic. After a short walk beside Ouseburn the Shrine of St Mary's Chapel, Jesmond is reached. The Way crosses northern Newcastle passing the Church of St Charles Borromeo in Gosforth. After more suburban walking countryside is reached and the Way heads northwest to reach the Church of St Matthew, Ponteland. More walking across farmland follows before joining the St Oswald’s Way at Kirkwelpington.

The Way travels north, crossing Harwood Forest to Rothbury where the Holystone Way leaves the St Oswald's Way. The Way turns west passing the Church of St Agnes in Rothbury and then the Church of All Saints in Thropton, both closed (2024). Finally a delightful path follows the River Coquet to reach the Lady’s Well at Holystone.

St Joseph's Way is Ready to Walk!

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 12:08:39 GMT

The St Joseph's Way is a Pilgrim Way for the Diocese of Portsmouth and the Bishopric of the Armed Forces from the Cathedral of St John in Portsmouth to the national Shrine of St Joseph in Farnborough Abbey via the Cathedral of the Bishopric of the Armed Forces

From St John's Cathedral the Way passes the Church of Corpus Christi in Portsmouth and then joins the Pilgrims' Trail out of Portsmouth passing the Church of St Colman at Cosham. At Wood End the way joins the Meon Valley Churches Walk along a disused railway track to West Meon. The Pilgrim Way then crosses farmland by track and lane to reach Ropley where the route joins the St Swithun's Way, to reach the Church of St Mary, Alton.

Just before Hale the route leaves the St Swithun's Way, to reach the Church of St Joan of Arc in Farnham and then the Church of the Holy Family before crossing parkland to Aldershot and the Church of St Joseph and then the Cathedral of SS Michael & George, of the Catholic Bishopric of the Armed Forces. The Way picks up the Basingstoke Canal towpath and then the Blackwater Valley Path into Farnborough to reach the Shrine of St Joseph at Farnborough Abbey

For more information click on one of the buttons below.

CrossWalk Pilgrims

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 09:44:52 GMT

The CrossWalk initiative mission is to walk in faith together. Praying for peace and acting for peace.

CrossWalk aims to unite people and promote peace by walking together. Walks take place throughout North Wales and everyone is invited to join at any point along the route, for any portion of the walk. Participants can also share intentions or prayers to be included in the CrossWalks. The CrossWalk Initiative has launched coordinated walks throughout North Wales during Lent 2024 in anticipation of the 2025 "Pilgrims of Hope" year designated by the Pope. This initiative, now in its 5th year, also aims to raise awareness and support for causes and charities in local communities through fundraising activities. They invite people to contact them directly if they need assistance with this, for consideration.

Throughout 2024, the CrossWalk Initiative will continue conducting walks in different locations across North Wales, connecting with Pilgrim Ways and other points of interest in the region. The initiative invites individuals of all and any background to join the walks.

Throughout the Lenten season, 2024, participants have shouldered a life-sized wooden cross weighing 60 kilograms, traversing nearly 300 kilometers, including ascents and descents of Wales' highest peak, Snowdon. During these walks, intentions and prayers were shared, along with efforts to raise awareness and funds for a local cause aiding vulnerable individuals and the homeless in the community of Colwyn Bay.

Witnessing various reactions from individuals has been a moving experience, some are brought to tears at the sheer sight. People have expressed awe, curiosity, and a desire to understand the purpose behind our actions. Many have engaged in conversations, sharing their own faith journeys and beliefs during our participation in the impactful CrossWalk initiative.

The 2024 Lenten journey has presented significant challenges, including a delayed walk due to severe chest infections affecting the main organizers. Furthermore, a badly sprained ankle, sore and exhausted leg muscles, and aching knee and shoulder joints added to the difficulties faced during the journey. Despite these obstacles, we remained determined to continue with the next planned walks up Snowdon through the Llanberis route. Snowdon mountain presents its own challenges and its rapidly ever changing weather conditions. The demanding terrain and varying temperatures at the summit intensified the burden of carrying a life-sized 60-kilogram wooden cross.

During these walks, participants often introspect on the parallels between the physical challenges faced on the journey and the obstacles encountered in their daily lives. In times of difficulty, individuals draw strength from the analogy that each step mirrors life's struggles, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and mutual support. Through collective effort, encouragement, and divine guidance, participants strive to reach their ultimate destination, acknowledging the significance of unity and faith in overcoming adversities.

The experiences shared during the Lenten CrossWalks have held unique significance for each participant, serving as a transformative journey for all. The opportunity to engage in the walks amidst the natural world, while challenging oneself alongside fellow CrossWalk pilgrims, has proven to be a profoundly enriching experience on both spiritual and each individual’s physical health and wellbeing.

Additional CrossWalks are scheduled for 2024, including walking the Pilgrims Way from Wrexham Cathedral to St Winefreds Well in Holywell, with dates to be confirmed. Another notable walk is planned for Sunday, June 23, from St Winefreds Church to the Holy Well for the Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage led by the Bishop of Wrexham. The event will feature a Veneration of St Winefred’s Relic and Blessing of the Sick, offering another meaningful experience for participants.

For further information on other planned walks for 2024 - 2025 please contact the CrossWalk Initiative directly and visit the facebook page for more information:

https://www.facebook.com/crosswalksnowdon

'My strength tells me No, but the path demands Yes'

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 09:04:19 GMT

An American family of four sought pilgrimage in the Lake District during August 2024. They travelled 4745 miles by air, 492 miles by rail, 180 miles by foot and 2 miles by kayak in the footsteps of eight local saints while searching for Christ in Cumbria.

This was our third pilgrimage in the UK after walking from Winchester to Canterbury along the Pilgrims’ Way in 2022 and from St. Germans Cathedral to St. Michael’s Mount on the Cornish Celtic Way in 2023. We were attracted to Cumbria in 2024 after finding references to Martin Earle’s newly commissioned icon of the Cumbrian Saints which Fr. Philip Conner has planned for the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea and St. Michael in Workington. The beauty of this altar icon and the truth of these saints’ lives inspired my daughter and me to spend nine months and many Zoom hours planning a Lakeland pilgrimage itinerary.

Arriving from several parts of the States, we gathered in late July at Paddington Station. Enroute to St. Bees, our family stopped at Workington in West Cumbria to meet Fr. Philip and Canon John Watson. After Saturday Vigil Mass, we dined with our welcoming priests and received a wonderful pilgrimage blessing beneath the statue celebrating St. Bega’s arrival on the coast of Cumbria in 650 AD.

Over the course of the next two weeks, the four of us backpacked along St. Bega’s Way, St. Bega’s Way Back, St. Mary’s Way and the Cumbrian Cistercian Way. Our family traversed numerous fells and ghylls, crossed many becks and dived into multiple tarns. We climbed a total of 21,000 feet while walking 180 miles. We even kayaked to pray at the ruins of St. Herbert’s hermitage on his island in Derwentwater. Our outdoor specialty was wild swimming which sometimes received applause as we pursued group immersions in Ennerdale, Crummock Water, Scale Force Waterfall, Ritson Force, Angle Tarn and Colwith Force. This craving for cold water was reminiscent of baptism while mountain summits promised the protection of St. Michael, and the ospreys overhead suggested the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We revelled in the glory of God’s creation.

Our most authentic pilgrim effort was a five-mile passage from Sandgate to Ulverston across Morecambe Bay. This low tide event at sunset was the first time in 150 years that a pilgrimage group was delivered from one King’s Guide to the Sands to another in the middle of the River Leven. Our walk across the wet sand reminded us of the Israelites’ exit from the hardship of Egypt and their entrance into the promise of the Holy Land. In a similar way, the route of a pilgrimage may be physically difficult, but it guides one to great mental refreshment and spiritual renewal. These benefits may be somewhat of a challenge to appreciate when you are walking seventeen miles daily over multiple peaks while carrying a twenty-five-pound pack. Nevertheless, despite its hardships, pilgrimage is, truthfully, a very beautiful and rewarding experience.

While the physical sites on the Way served as the body of our pilgrimage, they were not complete without the Catholic practices and celebrations which formed the heart of our journey. Our family had prepared for this endeavour by studying the lives and the prayers of the early medieval, English Reformation, and modern saints of Cumbria. We prayed the 13th century Hymn to St. Bega at St. Bees Priory and at her chapel on the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake. We learned St. Ninian’s Prayer of Encirclement ‘...Circle me Lord, Keep hope within, Keep doubt without…’ and asked for his guidance in professing the faith. We recited the bird/tree/bell/fish poem of St. Kentigern and reflected on its meaning. We asked St. Oswald the King for strength and sought the gift of fortitude from the martyr, Blessed Christopher Robinson. The friendship of St. Cuthbert and St. Herbert of Derwentwater encouraged our own love for one another, while Servant of God John Bradburne’s life inspired service to others. We often walked while deep in prayer following the advice of the Apostle Paul to ‘Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.’ At each church we knelt at the altar while praying together the Litany of Divine Mercy. At holy wells, we invoked St. Bridget’s Prayer of Protection, ‘…God, an isle art thou in the sea, A hill art thou on the land, And a well art thou in the wilderness…’ We prayed the 12th Station of the Cross at every Celtic, Saxon and Viking Cross that we encountered followed by a kiss upon the cold stone.

Each day, my daughter and I sang Who Would True Valour See from The Pilgrim’s Progress. She and her husband delivered a beautiful Latin rendition of the Anima Christi hymn in the warmth of the Workington Rectory and among the ruins of Furness Abbey.

These rituals and liturgies promoted the primacy of God in our lives. We had many occasions of living in that thin place between this world and the next. We came to see our intentional journey as an antidote to acedia, a challenge to our bones and a balm for our souls. Eventually, the physical stress of our itinerary drained our bodies just as heavenly grace was filling our souls. We then understood the Lord’s message to St. Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9-11. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Likewise, our physical exhaustion stimulated mental reflection; reflection encouraged meditation; meditation engendered contemplation; and contemplation altered our understanding of reality. Rather than meeting our Creator at Moriah, Bethel or Sinai, we reached for God in the chancel of ancient rural churches and found Him in the grandeur of Lakeland fells.

The Cumbrian Saints Pilgrimage promoted new spiritual insights. We came to understand Tolkien’s Riddle of Strider in a new way which emphasized the glory of God’s creation and communion with the Kingdom of God:

All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost;

It became clear to us that our ancient faith has been deeply lived by the Cumbrian Saints and their foundation can still be found:

The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

And, the Christian heart of Britain remains resilient and ready for restoration:

From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring;

Renewed shall be blade that was broken, The crownless again shall be king.

This sojourn in Northwest England was a powerful spiritual pinnacle for one American family. We hope that our story will be helpful to others who may consider a journey of the soul in the very saint-filled and Christ-oriented Cumbrian land of mountains and lakes.

Frans A. Vossenberg

St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish

Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, USA

All photos copyright Frans A. Vossenberg and family

The Pilgrim Cross experience of group walking pilgrimage

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 07:26:23 GMT

In this post Alison Gelder shares her experience of group walking pilgrimage drawing on many years of taking part in Pilgrim Cross during Holy Week.

Pilgrim Cross (formerly Student Cross) is a distinctive pilgrimage experience. It only takes place once each year, in Holy Week (the week before Easter). The destination is the shrines (both Roman Catholic and Anglican) of Our Lady of Walsingham. We walk in groups (legs), carrying big wooden crosses, and we walk on roads as well as footpaths.

The first Student Cross took place in 1948, inspired by the 1946 cross carrying peace pilgrimage to Vezelay in France. A group of ex-servicemen and students walked from London to Walsingham, arriving on Good Friday and celebrating Easter at the shrine. They had such an amazing time that they decided to do it again the next year and so it has continued. There are now twelve legs, most walking for a week, five for over 18s, two for teenagers, two for families, and an all age leg that walks for one day, Good Friday. For more information about the legs

Pilgrim Cross is not a charity or a formal organisation. We elect a National Director each year on Holy Saturday and there are a few other elected/volunteer positions such as music director and recruitment/marketing lead. Each leg is autonomous and elects its own leadership every year. Continuity is provided by experienced walkers, previous National Directors and through the Student Cross Association (SCA), a charity that supports pilgrims and the pilgrimage.

We mainly sleep on church hall floors and our food is provided by the parishes who are hosting us or we cater for ourselves. All the baggage is carried by support vehicles. As well as the large wooden cross we also wear red crosses to show that we are pilgrims. Our routes are not waymarked and tend to change a little each year as roads become too busy to be safe for walking or as new footpath options open up. The costs of the pilgrimage are covered by the pilgrims, with support from the SCA, some of the parishes along the routes, and other generous donors. The price for the week (including food and accommodation) ranges from around £200 for a working adult to around £50 for a student or unemployed person.

About half of the legs have ordained chaplains (who could be Roman Catholic, Anglican or Methodist) but all the legs have a person or team who are responsible for organising the liturgies and the rhythm of prayer that shape our days on and off the road. Several times a day we pause to rest and to share a reflection offered by one of the pilgrims. We also develop and share our prayer times and liturgies with the communities we visit. Typically a leg will visit three or four communities and their churches each day.

Making music together and singing, on the road, liturgically, in pubs and churches, and especially when we arrive in Walsingham, is a big part of our ethos. You could say it’s a particular charism of Pilgrim Cross.

Challenges

Building community. Every Holy Week, in each leg, a new community is created as the group of 20 - 30 people come together to carry their cross to Walsingham. One of the challenges for the leg leadership team is to foster the growth of community between the pilgrims on their leg and at the same time to nurture relationships with the parishioners who so generously welcome us along the way - we cannot be an inward facing community. The shared experiences of walking, praying and living together often lead to strong bonds within the leg; many people form lifelong friendships and think of Pilgrim Cross as an extended family. There is then another challenge when the leg reaches Walsingham, to open up the community to become part of the whole of Pilgrim Cross.

Obedience

Just as in any religious community there is a need for some structure, for bones to support our community and our individual formation as pilgrims and Christians. On Pilgrim Cross the objective is to get the leg and the cross safely to Walsingham and every member of the leg has a contribution to make to that task. Some of the lessons I have learned as a participant in Pilgrim Cross are about managing with limited personal space and quiet time, and about receiving as well as giving. There is a particular need for a level of discipline when walking on roads. People have to accept that they must keep together, and listen to and follow the road leader’s instructions. It is important to keep to time when hosts are waiting for us with refreshments. There can also be an issue about wanting to walk every step of the way. In my opinion a pilgrimage is not a sponsored walk and can be completed through serving the group in other ways than as a walker. But sometimes there are difficult conversations to be had with pilgrims who are tired or injured and yet want to continue to walk.

Safeguarding

Obviously we have a safeguarding policy with different aspects for different groups, for example families and single adults. Issues can be raised with chaplains, leg leaders and the National Director. We have worked on a behaviours policy and a statement that all pilgrims sign up to. For us the most serious issues that have arisen have been about safeguarding individuals who are attracted to Pilgrim Cross at times of crisis in their lives and experience mental distress during the walking week. We need strategies to care for them, to get them to a place of safety and to care for the rest of the group at the same time.

To find out more visit our website, https://pilgrimcross.org.uk/about-sca/ or follow us on instagram, pilgrimcross or Facebook, Pilgrim Cross.

Pilgrims' Progress to Rome

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 15:57:44 GMT

Pilgrims' Progress to Rome!

Life has chosen to mark Jubilee Year 2025 with its own special contribution to 'Pilgrims of Hope'- its first charity fundraising challenge.

You are invited to register your interest in an eight-day fundraising trek to Rome in Autumn 2025 following part of the ancient Camino Via Francigena pilgrimage route. The trek will be with a group of pilgrims of all ages and backgrounds. There are plans to organise an additional day in Rome to complete the pilgrimage in a special way for those who would like to join in an expression of faith.

A jubilee is a special holy year of grace and pilgrimage. Life is calling all those with "an adventurous spirit and a compassionate heart" to join us, while also fundraising for our range of services to women with an unplanned or unsupported pregnancy and those that have experienced baby loss.

Please email Matt Feeley at Life at mattfeeley@lifecharity.org.uk or phone 07496 005110 to receive more information about this unique opportunity.

The St Cuthbert Mayne Way is Ready to Walk!

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 12:36:03 GMT

The St Cuthbert Mayne Way is a Pilgrim Way from the Cathedral of SS Mary & Boniface in Plymouth to the Shrine of St Cuthbert Mayne in Launceston.

Cuthbert Mayne was an English Catholic priest executed in Launceston under the laws of Elizabeth I. Mayne was beatified in 1886 and canonised as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales in 1970.

The Way leaves the Cathedral and crosses Victoria Park to reach the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer near Plymouth docks and then the Church of St Paul. The route leaves Plymouth and follows the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail. The River Tavy is crossed using a ford near Lopwell House to reach Bere Alston Station where a train must be taken to Calstock. The Way continues to follow the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail northwards over rolling hills and riverside meadows. After Horsebridge the route is mainly on quiet lanes to Milton Abbot. Finally the Way reaches Launceston and the Church and Shrine of St Cuthbert Mayne.

NB the route involves two river crossings, one by a ford and one by short train ride.

Developing a Good Pilgrimage Route

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 13:11:53 GMT

In this post Andrew Kelly, Co-Founder and Route Director of the Augustine Camino describes how to develop a good pilgrim route based on his experience of developing the Augustine Camino.

The Augustine Camino , the popular pilgrimage route to the Shrine of St Augustine in Ramsgate has featured on Radio 4 and in the National and Specialist Press . It visits the two oldest cathedrals in England as well as shrines to five of England’s greatest saints plus two monasteries with accommodation right on the route. The art on display is stunning – sometimes being borrowed for exhibitions at the British Museum or the V&A in London. It is a candidate for Britain’s best developed pilgrimage route with waymarking, plenty of accommodation options and services including a website, helpdesk, guidebook, accommodation booking and baggage transfers. The 46 pilgrim stamps are recognised towards a Compostela in Santiago as well as one at the Shrine of St Augustine in Ramsgate. It is wholly within the Archdiocese of Southwark and includes shrines to all three diocesan patrons – Our Lady, St Thomas Becket and St Augustine of Canterbury.

Developing a good pilgrimage route starts with a worthy objective; somewhere of significance, such as an important and beautiful shrine. There should be a compelling story relevant to the Diocese and hopefully a history of devotion. In our case we have the Diocesan Shrine to St Augustine of Canterbury. It is a beautiful Grade I listed building, designed and built by Augustus Welby Pugin, the designer of Big Ben. The Shrine is a focus of devotion to the Apostle to the English, the man sent by Gregory the Great to convert the English to Christianity in 597.

It is important for the route to cover a realistic distance. The famous routes such as the Camino de Santiago or the Via Francigena have government support. If you don’t have that level of funding then choose something manageable within your resources. Many pilgrims don’t have the time or the inclination to walk for weeks on end, so pick a distance that can be accomplished on annual leave from work. Remember also that not everyone is fit. Although the fastest completion of the Augustine Camino was 22 hours , most take a week and many take a lot longer. We have many pilgrims in their eighties – think of their needs. The Augustine Camino is roughly 100kms long which allows us to have the same rules as Santiago – to walk at least 100kms and collect at least two pilgrim stamps per day. This also happens to be the approximate distance from Nazareth to Jerusalem on foot which is possibly where the rule came from.

Pilgrimage is about the journey as much as the destination, so ensure there is plenty of interest along the way. We started with a list of all the most sacred and beautiful churches locally and then worked to see how many we could reasonably include. Don’t slavishly follow a medieval route – they miss many more recent places of interest. In our case this would have meant walking down the A2. As far as possible, we have avoided roads. Not only is this much more pleasant but it is also safer, particularly if you are walking in a group. People can be awfully careless if they think someone else is looking after health and safety!

Pilgrim stamps can seem an unnecessary addition to your pilgrimage. However, they are extremely popular, both with pilgrims and with churches. The local pubs have become quite competitive with their stamp designs and they are a good way to engage local organisations such as community halls, cafes and campsites. We also distribute a window sticker welcoming pilgrims. It all helps to engender a feeling of ownership and pride in the route amongst the local community. A stamped pilgrim passport also gives access to special services such as free entry to Canterbury Cathedral, a pilgrim rate at Aylesford Priory and the new Sanctuary network of low-cost accommodation in churches and halls.

Having walked many long-distance trails, there is nothing more annoying than finding yourself in a remote car park at the end of a tiring day. A pub/café for lunch and a choice of accommodation each evening is vital. Navigation should also be straightforward. We have waymarked the route with discrete stickers and provide a free GPX file for use with mobile navigation systems (they are cheap and can be downloaded to your phone). There are also maps and directions in the guidebook and on the website. We publish regular updates on the state of the path.

Finally, some people like the reassurance of having someone book their accommodation , call ahead to open churches and move their bags. This is particularly true of pilgrims coming from abroad – a significant proportion of walkers are from the US, Canada, Australia and other parts of the English-speaking world. We also offer guided pilgrimages at least twice a year .

Creating a pilgrimage route is much more involved than it seems. It is easy to draw a line on a map but to have a route that pilgrims walk regularly, that locals cherish and that works for walkers, churches and local businesses takes sustained effort over a number of years. You need someone to lead it who is obsessed with detail and willing to sacrifice their time and money to a project that may not bear fruit for some time. Effectively you need to find someone with a pilgrimage vocation !

The Hearts in Search of God Summer Newsletter

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 10:13:33 GMT

Welcome to the Summer 2024 Hearts in Search of God project newsletter!

The project has reached an important moment as we prepare for the 2025 Jubilee Year with it’s motto ‘pilgrims of hope’. Pope Francis has written:

Pilgrimage is of course a fundamental element of every Jubilee event. Setting out on a journey is traditionally associated with our human quest for meaning in life. A pilgrimage on foot is a great aid for rediscovering the value of silence, effort and simplicity of life. In the coming year, pilgrims of hope will surely travel the ancient and more modern routes in order to experience the Jubilee to the full.
(Spes non confundit, Bull of Indicition of the 2025 Jubilee)

I hope the Hearts in Search of God project will encourage many to walk as pilgrims of hope in 2025.

Why we walk

I was delighted to be asked to take part in the discussion of pilgrimage on BBC Radio 4’s Beyond Belief programme, alongside members of the Sikh and Hare Krishna faiths. The edition was broadcast on 7th July and can be found on BBC Sounds: Read more

Walking as Pilgrims of Hope Conference

On 20th May 2024 I chaired a conference to encourage and equip people, especially the young, to undertake group walking pilgrimage to mark the Holy Year. There was input from experts in walking pilgrimages and from dioceses and Catholic organisations. Read more

Hope does not disappoint

I was delighted to take part in Clifton's Diocesan day to speak about walking as 'pilgrims of hope' during the 2025 Jubilee. I especially recommend Canon Chris Thomas’ talk on Christian hope. Videos of all the presentations can be found through this link: Read more

Pilgrim Ways
There are now GPX files available for routes in all the dioceses of England & Wales, and full walking directions in all dioceses except Plymouth, Portsmouth, Shrewsbury and Hexham & Newcastle. I plan that all dioceses will be complete by the end of September 2024.

Resources
These include resources for group pilgrimage, pilgrim passports and certificates of completion. There is a webpage for people who would like to add to the significance of their pilgrimage by raising money to help others.

Going deeper
Articles on the ‘Going Deeper’ webpages provide context and expert background to pilgrimage. The latest is by:

• TJ Guile , Chairman of the English Catholic History Association, and asks which is more important: the journey or the destination , or is it both combined?

I am grateful to Tim and the others who have contributed their time and expertise which really adds to the resources on the website.

News, Stories & Events
Thanks to all those who have contributed stories over the last few months. Topics include:

• Rowan Morton-Gledhill on walking as Pilgrims of Hope in Father Brown’s Footsteps .

I have also written for Bible Alive on prayer and pilgrimage .

Feedback on the Ways
I would be grateful for any feedback you have about the proposed Ways, and to hear of your experience of walking them , especially of any changes to the route. Don’t forget to download your certificate of completion.

If you have a story or a pilgrim resource or event to share, please contact me through the website.

Please feel free to share his newsletter with people who may be interested. I hope you enjoy the website, designed by the wonderful people at Everyday Christian Marketing.

Wishing you every blessing and joy of summer, and buen camino!

Phil McCarthy, Project Lead

The Challenges of Building Fundraising into a Pilgrimage

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 09:51:08 GMT

In this blog Dominic DeBoo, a member of CAFOD's Community Fundraising Team, discusses the challenges of building fundraising into a pilgrimage.

Before we begin to look at how fundraising and pilgrimage can work together it is important to first acknowledge their fundamental differences and ask whether they can in fact be compatible. Pilgrimage is first and foremost an inward spiritual journey, creating time to encounter God, often in our nothingness. Fundraising, on the other hand, is about asking something of others – commonly we are presenting a cause and asking for their financial support and donations. The two ends are very different and therefore, combining them needs to be approached with caution.

There are many avenues to raising funds and therefore, if we are using pilgrimage as a fundraising channel, we need to take care that the primary focus remains on the pilgrimage journey itself. Any fundraising activity should support this and be built in around it, not diverting the focus or getting in the way of a genuine encounter with God.

Whilst combining pilgrimage and fundraising should be approached with caution and careful thought, the two are not incompatible. Indeed, when we pray, we discover the heart of God and are called to partner with Him to respond to the needs of the world, as the following prayers and quotations from Scripture demonstrate:

Christ has no body but yours,

No hands, no feet on earth but yours,

Yours are the eyes with which he looks

Compassion on this world,

Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,

Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.

Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,

Yours are the eyes, you are his body.

Christ has no body now but yours,

No hands, no feet on earth but yours,

Yours are the eyes with which he looks

compassion on this world.

Christ has no body now on earth but yours.

St Teresa of Avila

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

James 2:14-17

Practical Considerations:

The case for fundraising should be urgent, meaningful and have a clear cause. If you are asking for money people will want to know the ‘why’ behind the fundraising ask. Questions include:

• Is there a clear need or end goal?

• Will your fundraising achieve something tangible?

• Is there an urgency or timeframe?

• Why should I donate today?

What is the ask? Why should participants share your passion for the project?

• For participants, fundraising requires an investment of time, energy and reputation

• How can you minimise the workload – provide links, resources, visual assets, etc. Make it easy for your supporters to participate

• How can we connect people with the emotional heart of the cause?

Sharing the project more widely:

• How can you publicise your cause beyond your immediate participants / audience?

• Are there other outlets – social media, local press, Catholic and other Christian media, etc?

• How can you connect the need to GIVE, ACT and PRAY in a way that inspires people?

Dominic DeBoo

CAFOD Community Fundraising Team

Clifton Diocesan Day: Hope does not disappoint

Sat, 20 Jul 2024 10:10:04 GMT

Hope does not disappoint is the title of the Papal Bull for the 2025 Jubilee. I was delighted to be asked to speak at the Diocese of Clifton's diocesan day of preparation for the Jubilee which took the same title.

The day was held on 6th July 2024 at St Bernadette’s Secondary School in Whitchurch, Bristol. Canon Chris Thomas, the General Secretary for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales, was the first speaker. He contributed a profound meditation on Christian hope. I spoke about the part that walking pilgrimage can make by providing a hopeful sign in dark times.

In the afternoon the participants went into small groups with other members of their Pastoral Area to plan a Jubilee Celebration in 2025 for their own communities. They shared their specific plans during the plenary assembly. These plans are the first steps in celebrating the jubilee in Clifton diocese in our different pastoral area communities.

Bishop Bosco concluded the day with a practical list of ten ways we can all prepare for the 2025 Jubilee Pilgrims of Hope.

You can listen to both presentations, Bishop Bosco's concluding thoughts and some reflections from participants by clicking on the button below.

Photographs courtesy of Phil Gibbons, Diocese of Clifton.

Beyond Belief

Sat, 20 Jul 2024 09:33:56 GMT

Beyond Belief is BBC Radio 4's long running series which explores the place and nature of faith in today's world.

I was delighted to be invited to take part in an edition called ' Why we walk ' on why walking is a spiritual act. The discussion was chaired by Anglican priest Giles Fraser who raised the question of whether the power of pilgrimage is found at its destination, or along the pathway.

The programme started with the story of Alice Sainsbury who was recovering from a serious neurological illness when she slowly started to walk again. Step by step she found herself again through walking, and making small pilgrimages near her home in Cornwall. It wasn't just a physical journey for her, but a spiritual one as well.

I was joined on the panel by Sri Radharamana Das, a scholar in Sanskrit and Vedic literatures and a volunteer at his local Hare Krishna temple, and Professor Raminder Kaur who is the leader of a project about pilgrimage and economics at the University of Sussex and a Sikh. It was fascinating to engage with the similarities and differences in the ways that walking and pilgrimage are practiced in different faiths. You can listen on BBC Sounds by clicking the button below.

Walking as Pilgrims of Hope Conference Report

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 14:40:34 GMT

In preparation for the 2025 Jubilee with its motto ‘pilgrims of hope’ the Hearts in Search of God project held a conference. The aims were to help dioceses and other Catholic organisations to undertake walking pilgrimage during the Holy Year confidently, and to build a community of people involved in walking pilgrimage. There were 32 onsite participants with 75 registered to join online. The event was recorded, and the content of presentations and discussions will be used to create a resource on walking pilgrimage and the Jubilee.

Participants met at the Church of St Mary Moorfield, 4/5 Eldon Street, in the City of London. The City is the square mile inside the ancient Roman walls of Londinium. It is a city, ceremonial county and local government district with its own Lord Mayor, Corporation and police force. During the Nineteenth Century it was the centre of global trade. In 2022 London came second after New York in the Global Financial Centres Index. Before the Great Fire of 1666, there were over 100 churches in the City. By the start of World War Two there were just under 50, half of which were badly damaged by bombing, 5 beyond repair. By the late 1960s after restoration and rebuilding there were 39 Anglican churches in good condition. Some are now redundant or used for other purposes. There is only one Catholic church in the square mile, and our pilgrimage started there.

We were welcomed by Fr Chris Vipers, Parish Priest & Director of the Agency for Evangelisation, Archdiocese of Westminster who described the history of the church and parish. We listened to St Luke’s account of the Walk to Emmaus, and Cath McCarthy, my wife and a spiritual director, led us in prayer. Fr Chris blessed us, and we set off. During our 1.2 mile walk we passed the churches of St Botolph, St Ethelburga the Virgin with its Centre for Reconciliation and Peace, St Helen, Bishopsgate, St Mary Axe, St Andrew Undershaft, St Peter-upon-Cornhill, St Michael, Cornhill (built on the remains of the Roman Basilica), St Edmund, King & Martyr, St Clement (of ‘oranges and lemons’ fame), and the site of the former Church of St Laurence and Corpus Christi College. Finally we arrived at 1 Angel Lane, the office of CCLA, who generously provided the conference venue.

We were welcomed by Willie Hartley Russell, Client Investments Director, CCLA. CCLA (Churches, Charities and Local Authorities) Investment Management is the UK’s largest charity fund manager with £13 billion in assets. It is well known for managing investments for charities, religious organisations and the public sector. Uniquely, CCLA is owned by its investors. It is a pioneer of ethical and responsible investment and launched a Catholic Investment Fund in 2021, designed to reflect the teachings and mission of the Church. I am grateful for their generous hosting of the conference.

The conference started with an explanation from me of why we should walk as ‘pilgrims of hope’ in the Jubilee and what we know of the practical implications of the Papal Bull of Indiction for the Jubilee and the document on indulgences .

Next was an inspirational online presentation by Juliana Kazemi on ‘Walking pilgrimage as personal transformation and formation in faith’ based on her experiences as an American pilgrim on the Cornish Celtic Catholic Way. She described what inspired her and her family to walk as pilgrims in the UK during 2023, and then to plan to return in 2024. She explained what the pilgrimage means to her and shared her ideas about how we might inspire more people, especially the young, to walk as pilgrims of hope during the Jubilee. She argues that pilgrimage is an antidote to many of the disillusions of our time through walking, beauty and tradition. Her wonderful presentation can be watched by clicking on the button below.

After lunch we had two panel discussions with contributions from experts on walking pilgrimage. They were:

• How to plan a pilgrim route to maximise the spiritual, physical and social benefits of the walk , by Andrew Kelly, creator of the Augustine Camino and Shrine Director

• How to risk assess a route for health & safety and how to brief walkers about the risks , by Rowan Morton-Gledhill, Director of Communications for the Diocese of Leeds and coordinator of the St Wilfrid’s Way Camino

• How to organise group pilgrimages including group safeguarding and event insurance , by John Chenery, Arundel & Brighton Ecumenical Walking Pilgrimage coordinator and Alison Gelder, Pilgrim Cross representative

• How to organise and undertake a school pilgrimage to ensure a safe and spiritual experience for all involved , by Stuart Keene, Assistant Headteacher & pilgrimage organiser, St Edward’s School, Poole

• How to engage young people in walking pilgrimage, encourage them to join existing pilgrimages and organise their own , by Beth Przybylska, Strategic Project Director of Catholic Youth Ministries Federation (CYMFed)

• How to offer pilgrim accommodation as sanctuaries rather than stopovers , by Dawn Champion, Head of Community Operations, British Pilgrimage Trust

• The challenges of building fundraising into a pilgrimage project, by Dom De Boo, Community Fundraising Executive CAFOD

The day ended with prayer led by Sr Margaret Donovan, Sister of the Holy Cross. The Sisters of the Holy Cross CIC has supported the project with grant funding, and I am very grateful to them. The conference was followed by a convivial dinner.

The day was productive. The learning from the presentations will contribute to the group pilgrimage resources page of the Hearts in Search of God website. Hopefully every diocese and many other Catholic organisations will be inspired and encouraged to undertake walking pilgrimages during the Jubilee, perhaps alongside people of other churches and faiths.

Phil McCarthy

Pilgrimage to Glastonbury 2024

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 19:33:15 GMT

The idea of a pilgrimage is rooted in the bible as the Jews who has dispersed all over the known world were required to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem three times a year to attend the three major festivals in the Jewish yearly worship. Pilgrimage therefore to a major religious site is a spiritual journey of renewal.

These three major festivals were the feast of Passover, the feast of weeks (Pentecost) and the feast of Shelters. The Acts of the apostles teaches us that at the feast of Pentecost, there were pilgrims from all over the known world which included both Jews and converts to Judaism from the gentile world.

The pilgrimage journey from Bristol to Glastonbury only takes about two or three days. I couldn’t find a group going from Bristol, but I did link up with a group from the Catholic Church in Wells for the final 6 miles of the journey to Glastonbury arriving on the Sunday for a feast in honour of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

There were several hundred people there from all over the Diocese where we met to celebrate mass together. The gospel reading of the day, from Mark, was about how Jesus sent out his disciples with staff in hand on a spiritual journey to teach the Good News and to trust in the Providence of God to meet our needs.

My experience on the day was encouraging when the pilgrims from Wells shared their food and drink with me so I did not lack anything.

Pilgrimage therefore is an offering to God and an experience of sharing which grows community within the Church.

Andrew Kieran, parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes, Kingswood, Bristol

Photos below from the 2023 walking pilgrimage to Glastonbury

Pilgrims of Prayer

pmccarthy@doctors.org.uk (Phil McCarthy) — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 09:52:40 GMT

This article was first published in the August 2024 edition of Bible Alive . It is reproduced with their kind permission. Bible Alive is a Catholic scripture magazine which draws its strength, inspiration and direction from the liturgical cycle. For more information click on the link below.

O my God, fill my soul with holy joy, courage, and strength to serve You.

Enkindle Your love in me and then walk with me along the next stretch of road before me.

I do not see very far ahead,

but when I have arrived where the horizon now closes down,

a new prospect will open before me, and I shall meet it with peace.

Edith Stein, St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Martyr of Auschwitz

2025 will be a Jubilee year, with the motto ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ and 2024 is a year of prayer in preparation for this. In the Christian tradition, and in many other religions, undertaking a pilgrimage is one way of deepening a personal relationship with God. Pope Francis wrote in his letter declaring the Jubilee:

In the realization that all of us are pilgrims on this earth, which the Lord has charged us to till and keep (cf. Gen 2:15), may we never fail, in the course of our sojourn, to contemplate the beauty of creation and care for our common home. [i]

We live in a time of global warming, so a walking pilgrimage in England & Wales using public transport to the start and finish of the route gives us an opportunity us to contemplate the beauty of creation while caring for our common home. I hope to encourage people, especially the young, in every diocese to undertake a walking pilgrimage during the Holy Year, helping us to become ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ for the 21 ^st Century.

A pilgrimage is a dedicated journey to a specific holy shrine with the purpose of engaging with one’s faith, to seek enlightenment and spiritual renewal. One of the distinctions between a Christian pilgrimage and any long walk is that a pilgrimage requires us to be open to interior change through prayer. St Ignatius commends us to begin our prayer by asking for the grace we desire. That grace could be repentance, sorrow for sin, gratitude for God’s gifts, desire for truth and justice, and so on. We identify what grace we desire, and we ask God for it. It may help to have a prayer to say for your intention:

Lord Jesus Christ,

You call me to follow you,

and I choose to walk with you.

Open the eyes of my heart to see my life in a new way.

With each step I take, help me to be open to change.

As I walk this pilgrimage, give me the grace to…

[mention your intention for the journey]

I ask this in your Holy Name.

Amen. [ii]

It’s good to have an intention in mind, but St Paul asks us to go further:

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. [iii]

Many of us find prayer difficult, so how can we 'pray without ceasing' as St Paul encourages us to do? Perhaps a start is to adopt a persistent attitude of gratitude for the world, for our lives, for each other, and for each day. Seeing everything as gift opens our hearts to God, who is the giver of everything, and to desire a relationship with Him.

Pilgrimage is an ancient way that people of many faiths have used in their search for God. Undertaking an outer journey can help us focus on our inner journey, on questions of meaning and purpose. Walking pilgrimage is a sacred activity and a way of encountering God in nature. We can experience feelings of awe at the beauty of creation and unity with the universe, which may lead us to prayer and to being open to God’s presence. Walking necessitates the acceptance of the problems of the road: there is no point railing against the rain, steep hills or aching knees. This recognition of one’s smallness and transience can promote humility.

A pilgrim may appear to observers as independent and autonomous, striding towards his or her destination. In contrast, the inner experience may be one of vulnerability to the elements, and of dependence on the goodwill of strangers. Pilgrimage involves ‘stepping out’ of one’s daily life, work and family responsibilities to become a marginal, transient person, often the recipient of hospitality, but sometimes of scorn and suspicion. Pilgrimage may be a mixed experience of companionship and sometimes of solitude. There will be times of silence, and occasions of encounter with others. These varied experiences make us aware of the transcendent in our lives, and of our need for our loving God.

How should we respond to these promptings? Walking pilgrims carry only what is essential for the journey, but prayer intentions are weightless and the opportunities for prayer are many. If prayer doesn’t come easily, there are many resources to be found in churches along the route, or on the internet. A good way to start a pilgrimage is to pray the Stations of the Cross, either in a church, (the cathedral you may be starting from is ideal), or by using a book or online resource. It is a powerful way to contemplate and enter the mystery of Jesus' gift of himself to us. You may be prompted to ask, ‘What crosses do you carry? What causes you to stumble on your way through life? How will your pilgrimage change you?’

On the walk it may be helpful to take a break at midday and say the Angelus prayer. The Angelus offers a short pause in our day-to-day activity to appreciate everything around us and to immerse ourselves in the intimacy of our Lady and the Blessed Trinity. Saying the Rosary can provide a rhythm to help on long hills; one decade finger rosaries are very portable! No one wants to walk carrying a heavy breviary, but Morning and Evening prayer are accessible through the Universalis app. It is wonderful if you can join Mass on the Way, but if that isn’t possible then the readings of the day are also available at Universalis .

The Hearts in Search of God website offers a range of resource to support your spiritual journey. On the introductory webpage there are links to a new resource from the Jesuit Institute called Pilgrims of Prayer covering a wide variety of approaches to prayer and spiritual exercises including:

The Morning Offering: a way of dedicating the day to God
The Act of the Presence of God: becoming aware of the presence of God
The Four Anchor Points of Prayer: preparation, entry, closure and review
Lectio Divina: meditative prayer on scripture
Imaginative Contemplation: imaginative prayer with scripture
The Examen: reviewing the day
Praying with Art: noticing the feelings a piece of art evokes.

There are also collected prayers for use before the pilgrimage, while on the road, on arrival at the shrine and after the journey. There are links to mediations on the Jesuit Pray as You Go app.

One traditional way of marking the end of a pilgrimage is to light three candles: one for your own intentions, and any that others have asked you to pray for; one in gratitude for the people who helped you along on the way; and one in hope for those who will follow you. You may want to give thanks for your safe arrival and any other blessings you have received:

Lord Jesus Christ,

As this pilgrimage comes to an end,

I give thanks for the journey

and for my safe arrival.

Help me to walk in newness of life.

By your Spirit, transform me into your likeness.

Give me your… [mention any attributes of Jesus you want to grow in, such as patience, humility, compassion, etc.]

Jesus, fill me with your life and love.

I ask this in your Holy Name.

Amen. [iv]

Please pray for Pope Francis as he leads the Church, the Pilgrim People of God, and for all who will walk as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ during the 2025 Jubilee.

Buen camino!

Phil McCarthy

[i] Letter of the Holy Father Francis to Msgr. Rino Fisichella, President of the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelisation, for the Jubilee 2025

[ii] Adapted from Forward in Mission pilgrimage prayers

[iii] 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

[iv] Adapted from Forward in Mission pilgrimage prayers

The Way of St Anthony's Well is ready to walk!

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 09:11:27 GMT

A Pilgrim Way for the Diocese of Menevia from the Cathedral of St Joseph in Swansea to St Anthony’s Well in Llansteffan. NB the route involves a summer only ferry crossing.

St Anthony of Egypt (c251 - 356), was a Christian hermit who a powerful influence on the Celtic Church. According to local tradition a Welsh hermit, Antwn (Anthony), who had taken the name of the Egyptian hermit, settled near Llansteffan in the C6.

The Way leaves Swansea heading north along the New Cut to reach the Shrine of Divine Mercy at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Morriston. The Way heads west to join and follow a disused railway line to reach the Wales Coast Path. The path reaches the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace at Llanelli and then the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea at Burry Port. The route passes Pembry Forest to reach the Church of Our Lady & St Cadoc at Kidwelly, and then continues along the coast to reach Ferryside where the River Towey is crossed by ferry.

St Anthony's Well is a short walk south of the village of Llansteffan.

Walking as Pilgrims of Hope in Father Brown’s Footsteps

Fri, 10 May 2024 08:32:55 GMT

The inaugural walking of the newest Diocesan Pilgrimage for Vocations 'In Father Brown's Footsteps' took place in the middle of Lent and in gloriously unseasonal weather! This year is the 120th anniversary of the first meeting between GK Chesterton (1874-1936) and the Diocese of Leeds priest who would become his inspiration for 'Father Brown', Fr John O'Connor (1870-1952).

It was as Curate at St Anne's Catholic Church in Keighley that Fr O'Connor attended a talk at a local gathering by the already famous author in March 1904. It was therefore fitting that our Pilgrimage began with Mass at St Anne's, celebrated by Parish Priest Mgr David Smith. The Mass was the regular 9am Saturday morning celebration, very well-attended by friendly and welcoming locals. Fr David preached a short but insightful homily very much in keeping with Chesterton's philosophy that the simple faith of those who are poor in spirit can often recognise and understand Our Lord Jesus Christ more readily than those who, like the rich and powerful Pharisees, are proud and think themselves clever.

Often called ‘The Apostle of Common-sense’, Gilbert Keith Chesterton championed the dignity of human life, the brotherhood of all mankind, the family, the poor and the oppressed. He did of course use the language of his time, and yet was also a man out of his time: cheerful and charitable to all yet quick to call out the corruption and injustice of an age beginning to turn away from many Christian virtues and values. His use of sharp satire, paradox, deliberately ‘controversialist’ style of wit and development of complex arguments across an entire essay or article has meant this great Catholic thinker, writer and broadcaster is not always understood, or is quoted out of context in our more literal age of social media spats and sound-bites. However, his Father Brown Stories, published between 1911 and 1935, have remained popular. Many of the acute yet compassionate ‘priest detective's’ adventures were based on Fr O’Connor’s stories of the criminality he had seen – and probably the criminal types he had shriven - as a young priest ministering in the midst of grinding poverty in Bradford’s slums. GK dedicated the published stories to O’Connor, ‘whose truth is stranger than fiction, with a gratitude greater than the world.’

At their March 1904 meeting, Chesterton and O'Connor had an instant rapport. They shared a love of the poor, an appreciation of art and literature, a delight in passionate, yet good-humoured debate, and the common-sense values that 'fallacies do not cease to be fallacies because they become fashions' - a message most apt for our own time! They soon realised they also had a good friend in common: Francis Steinthal, a Bradford-born, German Jewish textile merchant who lived in Ilkley and with whom Gilbert and his wife Frances were staying whilst in Yorkshire. The St Anne's clergy also served Ilkley at that time, and O'Connor became Chesterton's 'native guide' across the moor, following the Roman Road. Little did they know - or maybe they did - that for Chesterton these were his first steps along the road to Rome; when he eventually converted to Catholicism in 1922, it was O'Connor who received him into the Church.

With two people arranging to meet us at Myddelton Calvary, another two having had to drop out on the morning, and another having become locked out of her house the night before, we were a happy band of ten pilgrims walking the eight mile route. Leaving St Anne's after Mass and a short time of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, we prayed the Prayer for Priestly Vocations and with the first of several group photographs, we were on our way! Modern-day Keighley is less industrial, but more built-up. The route to join the road over Ilkley Moor involves pavement walking along the busy Bradford Road to cross the River Aire, finally beginning an ascent opposite the gates of East Riddlesden Hall.

Chesterton wrote that the 'rolling English drunkard made the rolling English road', but both Lenten abstinence and the licensing hours on Saturday 16 March did not permit of a sojourn in the 'Marquis of Granby'. The pilgrims pressed on across the swing bridge of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and uphill to begin the 'scenic' section of the route. There was plenty of time to admire the view as first St Mary's Road and then the cobbled Unity Street rose up steeply, almost vertically, in front of us. Diocese of Leeds walking pilgrimages, including the two-day St Wilfrid's Way Camino between Leeds Cathedral and Ripon, follow the same philosophy espoused by the US Marine Corps: 'no-one gets left behind'. The fast walkers, including veterans of the Camino de Santiago, waited at the top of the road and a short rest stop was enjoyed by all, leaving Unity Street united and heading up Ilkley Road toward the Moor.

The benefits of walking pilgrimages include an undoubted ‘penitential’ element and have a low impact on the natural environment – but above all, they are opportunities to bear public witness to our Catholic faith in our conversations and evangelise by our actions. Upon reaching the gated road across the Moor, we encountered several other walkers out taking advantage of the good weather who saw and heard us praying the Angelus as, serendipitously, we found ourselves approaching the wayside stone known as Cowper’s Cross just before noon.

As Airedale gives way to Wharfedale on the long descent into Ilkley, we passed by what would have been Chesterton and O’Connor’s destination in the town’s leafy outskirts. The Steinthals’ house, St John’s, is on Queen’s Road. It was built in the Arts and Crafts Movement style by Norman Shaw, the renowned architect of the nearby St Margaret’s Anglican Church. St John’s has been flats since the 1950s, but now bears a blue plaque commemorating the Chestertons’ regular visits.

Although in his 1937 memoir Father Brown on Chesterton, the by then Monsignor John O’Connor did not specify what date in March 1904 the two had made their moorland walk, a detail he mentions may help to narrow down the day. The two arrived at St Johns to be greeted by Frances Chesterton with a shepherd’s pie for lunch, and as the whole of March 1904 was during Lent, throughout which Fr John would almost certainly have forgone meat, their walk is likely to have been on one of the Sundays, which are always Feast Days, even in the Lenten season. Being on a Saturday, our pilgrimage did not include such a feast, but the kettle was on when we were welcomed into Sacred Heart Church by Parish Priest Canon Tim Swinglehurst, and we enjoyed our simple Lenten packed lunches in warmth, comfort and camaraderie.

Fr Tim had just celebrated Mass for a group from St Mary’s Parish in Bradford, and as we arrived they were setting off for the same destination as our pilgrimage: to pray the Stations of the Cross at Myddelton Calvary, just a mile up the other side of the valley. When we arrived there, we found to our delight that the parish group had waited for us, so our two Pilgrimages became one as all twenty-one of us prayed the Stations together, remembering the Passion of Our Lord as the skies clouded and the first drops of light rain began to fall. In keeping with our diocesan journey towards sustainability, the pilgrimage had been planned to use Keighley and Ilkley’s rail links, with pilgrims from Harrogate, Huddersfield, Bingley, Birstall, Bradford and beyond travelling either partly or entirely by public transport. A landslide on the Ilkley line had resulted in less frequent trains and replacement buses, necessitating a hurried dash back down the hill to Ilkley Station, so although there was little time for long goodbyes, many of the new friends and old will meet up again in October to walk as much or as little of the much longer St Wilfrid’s Way Diocesan Camino as they are able.

It remains to be seen whether the pilgrims’ prayer and penance will bear fruit for the intentions of priestly vocations, but the Bishop, delighted to hear of this first Pilgrimage of Hope in this year of prayer and preparation for the Jubilee, has given his blessing for ‘Father Brown’s Footsteps’ to become an annual diocesan event.

In addition to being overt expressions of Catholic witness, today’s walking pilgrimages also present opportunities to be sponsored for a charitable cause (one of our number was walking for the charity Mary’s Meals), and to walk in silent prayer as well as to have discussions about our Faith. Whilst walking ‘In Father Brown’s Footsteps’, these happened naturally and unselfconsciously, if at times somewhat breathlessly! Conversations were partly prompted by pilgrims having read some of Chesterton’s huge output of essays on religious and social issues of his day (most of them equally applicable to our own time) or having watched the many film and TV adaptations of his Father Brown stories. Topics were as wide-ranging as sin, repentance, confession and forgiveness, the Latin Mass, parish volunteering, Catholic Social Teaching, the friendly care and support for our priests, and the honour given to Our Blessed Lady (although it’s no joke trying to explain hyperdulia whilst hyperventilating on a steep ascent!)

In discussing this Lenten pilgrimage’s intention for priestly vocations, perhaps it is Chesterton’s ideal priest, Father Brown, based on the real priest, Father O’Connor, who should have the last word on a priest’s unique and currently counter-cultural calling in the midst of today’s fashions and fallacies: to bring people into the Real Presence of Christ, and dispense the balm of His saving hope and healing to all – even to the worst of us sinners…

‘…it seems to me that you only pardon the sins that you don't really think sinful. You only forgive criminals when they commit what you don't regard as crimes, but rather as conventions. So you tolerate a conventional duel, just as you tolerate a conventional divorce. You forgive because there isn't anything to be forgiven … We have to touch such men, not with a bargepole, but with a benediction. We have to say the word that will save them from hell. We alone are left to deliver them from despair when your human charity deserts them. Go on your own primrose path pardoning all your favourite vices and being generous to your fashionable crimes; and leave us in the darkness, vampires of the night, to console those who really need consolation; who do things really indefensible, things that neither the world nor they themselves can defend; and none but a priest will pardon. Leave us with the men who commit the mean and revolting and real crimes; mean as St Peter when the cock crew, and yet the dawn came.’

From ‘The Chief Mourner of Marne’, The Secret of Father Brown, GK Chesterton, 1925

For more information on the new Diocesan Pilgrimage ' In Father Brown's Footsteps' for Vocations in the Diocese of Leeds,

please contact communications@dioceseofleeds.org.uk . Next year's date will be Saturday 29 March 2025 .

2024 is the Year of Prayer and Preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year which the Holy Father has given the theme ' Pilgrims of Hope' .

For information about all Diocese of Leeds pilgrimages, please visit the Pilgrimages Page of the Diocese of Leeds website.

The 2024 St Wilfrid's Way Camino will be walked on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 October (the latter being St Wilfrid's Feast Day)

and St Wilfrid's Way will celebrate its 10 ^th Anniversary in the Jubilee Year!

Walking the Three Altars Way

Tue, 07 May 2024 09:28:05 GMT

A small group of pilgrims walked a trial Three Altars Way pilgrimage in Easter Week 2024. The ‘Hearts in Search of God’ project was an inspiration to explore the idea that each pilgrimage, no matter what the distance travelled, is in each and every step a prayer.

The route connects the altars of the Martyrs’ Chapel Padley, St Michael the Archangel Church, Hathersage and the remains of Holy Trinity Chapel, North Lees. Churches are places where we gather around the altar. As the General Instruction of the Roman Missal says: “The altar on which the Sacrifice of the Cross is made present under sacramental signs is also the table of the Lord to which the People of God are called together to participate in the Mass, as well as the centre of the thanksgiving that is accomplished through the Eucharist.”

In Easter Week there was a theme at each altar site; of the past apparent destruction, to be followed by the joys of resurrection and new life.

Padley Chapel’s altar was buried by the Fitzherbert family 1588 to preserve it for the future. It was found 1933 and re-consecrated 1934. The 90th anniversary of that re-consecration is 12 May 2024.
St Michael the Archangel’s Church along with its altar, was destroyed 1692 and rose again in the re-build, which was completed in 1806.
Holy Trinity Chapel, possibly on the site of a Beauchief Abbey Grange Farm, was likely to have been re-built c 1685 and destroyed in 1692. The altar is likely to still lie n the ruins of the chapel today.

As part of the Three Altar’s Way Fr Sexton celebrated Mass on the site of its altar. One pilgrim was receiving Holy Communion for only the second time after being received into the Church at the Easter Vigil in St Marie’s Cathedral. Fr. Sexton reminded us that what was most important was commemorating each individual’s personal sacrifices to maintain the Catholic faith in the Hope Valley. We were standing on the shoulders of past local ‘giants’ of the faith:

The 13th century Praemonstratensian Canons of Beauchief Abbey, bringing Mass to the Hope Valley.
The martyrdoms of the Blesseds Garlick , Ludlam and Simpson on St Mary’s Bridge, Derby in 1588.
The deaths in prison of the Fitzherberts, Sir John (1591) and Sir Thomas (1592) as ‘Confessors of the Faith’.
The determination of Matilda Fitzherbert (daughter of John), to ensure Mass, continued to be celebrated in the Hope Valley, at Nether Hurst Farm, following her arrest in 1588, and imprisonment in Derby gaol for three years.
Sir Richard Fenton, North Lees, (Holy Trinity Chapel) who was arrested in 1588, and after repeated periods of imprisonment and being the spokesman for recusants, jailed in York Castle and died in 1604.
Fr William Southworth, the Mission priest of St Michael the Archangel, following the Second Catholic Relief Act 1791, registered the wrecked chapel as a place of Catholic worship. The church was re-built by 1806.
Mgr Payne and Canon Busch who led the campaign to purchase and restore Padley Chapel (1929-1933).
The determination of Barbara M. Smith to preserve the history of the Catholic faith in the Hope Valley.
The commitment of John Rigby, representative of so many other local people over many years, in making the spiritual treasure that is Padley Chapel available to all.

All were remembered and prayed for as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ in this Year of Prayer 2024, in preparation for the Year of Jubilee 2025.

If you would like to help make Padley Chapel more available to visitors (April-September 2024) please contact, friendsofpadley@hallam-diocese.com

Gerard Bonner

Friends of Padley Chapel

Eastertide 2024

NB This article was first published in the Hallam Bridge , the newsletter of the Diocese of Hallam. It is reproduced here with kind permission of the author.

Why church doors should be open

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 18:34:23 GMT

When I see some little church here, in this city, or when I see it in another diocese where I go, with its doors closed, that's a bad sign. Churches must always have their doors open because this is a symbol of what a church is: always open. The Church is called to always be the open house of the Father. So that, if someone wants to follow a movement of the Spirit and approaches looking for God, they will not find themselves coming face to face with the coldness of a closed door. [1]

Pope Francis

Over the last year I have been walking pilgrim ways between Catholic cathedrals and one or more shrines within the same diocese. Sadly I come ‘face to face with the coldness of a closed door’ at many of the Catholic churches enroute, and even some of our cathedrals. If you are a weary pilgrim hoping to experience the church, light a candle and say a prayer, a bolted church door is a disappointment. An open door can be the high point of the day. I have found that Anglican places of worship are more likely to be open.

As Pope Francis points out, as well as being physical structures, doors are metaphors. An open church provides a welcome to those is search of God, but a locked church sends seekers a clear message: "Keep out: this is private space."

Francis has written of pilgrims:

Whoever they may be — young or old, rich or poor, sick and troubled or curious tourists — let them find due welcome, because in every person there is a heart in search of God, at times without being fully aware of it. [2]

Whether we walk or not, we all have ‘a heart in search of God’. A friend recently told me that as a young man he was at a moment of crisis. He walked into a church and sat down. That twenty minutes of silent reflection changed his life. He later came to faith and has taken up important lay roles in the Church. He believes that if the church door had been locked, his life might have taken a very different direction.

A church with an open door is a witness to shared faith and an evangelical presence in its neighbourhood. Churches fulfil important roles for the common good of the community in times of crisis, as we saw in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire. And in ordinary times, churches can be important places of refuge from the noise and relentless busyness of everyday life. A few moments of silence and stillness can transform a person's day, even for a confirmed atheist.

On my walks I have come across open churches which provide examples of what can be done. In the Diocese of Clifton there is St James’ Priory next to Bristol Bus & Coach Station. The Church does not have a resident priest, but it is open daily for Eucharistic adoration. I have witnessed how well this opportunity is taken up. Despite the city centre location, thefts and acts of vandalism are rare and, when they occur, minor. In deep countryside I visited the isolated Church of St Thomas, Claughton in the Diocese of Lancaster. There was a notice inviting visitors into the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, incense in the air and recorded plainsong. The church provided welcome and spiritual uplift. The experience of visiting churches can be enhanced by making printed prayers available or by providing a notice with QR codes for sites like Universalis and the Jesuit Pray As You Go app so that people can easily access prayer resources and the readings of the day on their phones.

The potential benefits are great, and it can be done, so why are the doors of so many churches locked? In my view part of the problem is that many Christians tend to have a utilitarian view of their churches, seeing no need to open them except when a service is being held. The architectural styles of churches built (necessarily cheaply) after World War II may reinforce this. Spires may point to the heavens, reminding us of the transcendence of God, but the sanctuary light beside the tabernacle is a sign of the immanence of God, as present for us in the most modest 1960's prefab church as in great cathedral.

In this post Christendom age, churches with open doors are important signals of an apostolic spirit, openness to the neighbourhood, engagement in the life of the local community, and a demonstration of God's abundant love and generosity.

Nevertheless church leaders and pastoral councils need to manage the practicalities, and many will be aware of cautionary stories. Parishes must balance personal safety and protecting property with being a sacred presence in their neighbourhood. The Catholic Insurance Service advises that there are no additional premiums for extended church opening hours, and Ecclesiastical , the main insurer of Church of England churches, actually encourages them to be open. This implies that open doors do not significantly increase the risk of claims. Here are some practical steps to mitigate risks and avoid potential problems:

Electronic security can protect the sanctuary from unwanted incursions and a safe can be installed for smaller financially or religiously valuable objects.
Some churches provide daytime access using a keypad lock. The code can be given to people who ask to visit without the need for someone to physically unlock the doors. At night the church can be locked more securely.
It may be possible to allow access to the narthex and to provide a kneeler and prayer resources in this area.
In many parishes there will be lay people prepared to organise and participate in a rota to unlock and lock church doors. In the early Church there was a lay ministry of the ostiary (usher) who opened the doors and received people. This could be revived.
For my part I encourage pilgrims who wish to visit churches on one of my pilgrim ways to check the parish website or phone the office in advance, and to remember that a single priest may be covering several churches and that he or she may live many miles away.
The National Churches Trust is a useful source of advice and information.

We may not be hiding our sanctuary lights under bushels, but too often they are concealed by fearfully locked doors. This does not present a spiritual confidence or a welcoming face to a society in desperate need of meaning and hope.

It is a widespread belief that the churches are in decline, and certainly this is undeniable in certain places. But there is also evidence of growth, and with 66% of UK adults saying they think that churches are important for society (according to a December 2023 opinion poll ), closed doors risk alienating people from the Church at a time when it is most needed.

There are some inspiring prompts to encourage your local church to open its doors. The Catholic Church, for example, will be celebrating a Jubilee year in 2025 when the Holy Doors of the great Roman basilicas will be opened in an invitation to the world, setting a tone that could be echoed by the local church. Dioceses are producing resources to encourage churches to open their doors, for example, the Diocese of Ely's Visitor Welcome Toolkit .

And whether it is through new synodal practices being adopted by Catholics, or through a renewed desire to forge better local relationships among all denominations, Christians can demonstrate a spirit of openness. Churches can offer the local community a place of encounter, an experience of the sacred for seekers and a place of rest for the occasional footsore pilgrim!

Phil McCarthy is the Project Lead of the Hearts in Search of God pilgrim ways project.

[1] https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2019/documents/papa-francesco_20191023_udienza-generale.html

[2] https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2016/january/documents/papa-francesco_20160121_giubileo-operatori-santuari.html

This blog was first published on the website of Together for the Common Good (T4CG). Together for the Common Good is a national Christian charity dedicated to the renewal of the civic ecology by bringing covenantal thinking into church and civic life.

The Holywell Way is ready to walk!

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 14:32:26 GMT

The Holywell Way is a Pilgrim Way for the Diocese of Wrexham from the Cathedral of Our Lady of Sorrows in Wrexham to the National Shrine of St Winefride at Holywell. St Winefride’s Well is believed to be the only British shrine that has a history of uninterrupted pilgrimage from the Middle Ages to the present day.

The Way is north from the Cathedral to join the Wat's Dyke Way which then passes through a valley beside the River Alyn to the villages of Caergwrle and Hope. After 10 miles the Pilgrim Way diverges from the Wat's Dyke Way to visit the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary in Buckley, re-joining the Wat’s Dyke Way just over a mile after this.

On leaving the village of Sychdyn the Wat's Dyke Way diverts from the line of the Dyke to take in a Celtic hill fort at Rhosesmor. The Pilgrim Way takes a more direct route, but the two paths coincide again shortly before crossing the A55 North Wales Expressway. After this the path follows an impressive section of the Dyke. The Way ends at the Shrine of St Winefride in Holywell, but pilgrims may wish to walk on to Basingwerk Abbey, the ruins of a C12 Cistercian monastery (1.0 miles). This is the start of the North Wales Pilgrim’s Way.

Pilgrims to Rome Virtual Conference video recording

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 15:12:08 GMT

The Pilgrims to Rome Virtual Conference was held on Sunday 17th April at 8pm. I was delighted to be invited to participate.

Dawn Champion , head of community engagement at the British Pilgrimage Trust, spoke on preparing for pilgrimage and walking alone.

David Andrews , ecologist and adviser for Natural England will be presented on 'Why walk the Via Francigena'.

I will be spoke about ‘Life after the Via Francigena’. In 2008 I walked the Via Francigena from Canterbury to Rome alone and in 2015 I walked on from Rome to Istanbul. These experiences awakened an interest in pilgrimage and led to me starting the Hearts in Search of God project. I have written books about both pilgrimages.

The presentations and Q&A are now available on YouTube. I'm grateful to Pilgrims to Rome and the presenter for their permission to share the recording on this website.

Phil McCarthy, Hearts in Search of God project lead

The Hearts in Search of God Easter 2024 Newsletter

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 20:43:55 GMT

Welcome to the Easter 2024 Hearts in Search of God newsletter! The calvary in the photo above is outside the Church of the English Martyrs at Whalley on the Salford Pilgrim Way. It is a reminder of the journey we have been on through Lent. We are now in the Easter season: a time for celebration and (for pilgrims) for planning the year's walking.

Online Conference!

2024 is a year of preparation for the Holy Year of 2025 with its motto ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. On 20th May 2024 I will be chairing a conference to encourage and equip people, especially the young, to undertake group walking pilgrimage to mark the Holy Year. There will be input from experts in walking pilgrimages and from dioceses and Catholic organisations. You are welcome to join online. For more information and to register visit: Event programme and registration .

Pilgrim Ways

There are now GPX files available for routes in all the dioceses of England & Wales and full walking directions in the dioceses of Arundel & Brighton, Birmingham, Brentwood all year and summer only, Cardiff, Clifton, East Anglia, Hallam, Lancaster North and South, Leeds, Liverpool, Middlesbrough, Northampton, Nottingham, Plymouth, Salford, Southwark and Westminster. There are also Pilgrim Ways for the Ukrainian and Syro-Malabar eparchies and the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham.

The Wrexham Way has been walked and will be the next to be published. The Way ends at Shrine of St Winefride at Holywell which was established as a national shrine by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales in November 2023. It also featured in the first episode of the current BBC pilgrimage series .

Resources
These include resources for group pilgrimage, pilgrim passports and certificates of completion. There is a webpage for people who would like to add to the significance of their pilgrimage by raising money to help others.

Going deeper
Articles on the ‘Going Deeper’ webpages provide context and expert background to pilgrimage. The latest is by:
• Frans A Vossenberg , on his family’s pilgrimage along the Cornish Celtic Catholic Way.

I am grateful to Frans and the others who have contributed their time and expertise to the project website.

News, Stories & Events
Thanks to all those who have contributed stories over the last few months. Topics include:
• Gerard Boner on pilgrimage to Padley Chapel in the Hope Valley
• Kate Macpherson on the John Bradburne Memorial Society’s 2024 Cross Fell pilgrimage which will be held on 8th June.

I have also written about:
• An ecumenical and interfaith pilgrimage in Cardiff .
• The importance of open church doors for Together for the Common Good .

I was delighted to take part in the 2024 Pilgrims to Rome conference. A recording of the virtual conference can be found here: Pilgrims to Rome online conference

Feedback on the Ways
I would be grateful for any feedback you have about the proposed Ways, and to hear of your experience of walking them. Don’t forget to download your certificate of completion. If you have a story or a pilgrim resource or event to share, please contact me through the website.

Wishing you every blessing of the Easter season, and buen camino !

Phil McCarthy, Project Lead

An Ecumenical and Interfaith Walking Pilgrimage in Cardiff

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 09:04:39 GMT

I was delighted to to be asked to lead a pilgrimage walk on 14th March 2024 between the Anglican Llandaff Cathedral and the Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral of St David in Cardiff. The pilgrimage was organised by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England & Wales in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Cardiff, the Church in Wales and the Diocese of Llandaff.

We gathered as members of different churches and faiths in St David's Chapel at Llandaff Cathedral. Following a blessing we set off, grateful that the steady rain had abated. The route we followed is part of the longer Way of Our Lady of the Valleys which follows the Penrhys Pilgrimage Wa y from Llandaff Cathedral to the Shrine of Our Lady of Penrhys and then crosses the mountains to the Shrine to Our Lady in Abercynon,

We walked along the east bank of the fast flowing River Taff south through Bute park, passing the ruins of Blackfriars Friary. The friary was founded in 1256 as one of two Dominican communities in Wales. In 1538, following Henry VIII’s break with the Catholic Church, the Friary was appropriated by the state and the buildings demolished. Today they are a reminder and a warning of the consequences of division.

We were welcomed into St David's Cathedral and gave thanks for the fellowship we had experienced on our short pilgrimage. Archbishop Mark O'Toole reflected that we had started the walk as individuals, some were old friends and some were strangers, but along the way we had become companions.

The Cross of Wales was received into St David's Cathedral for the first time. It is a gift from King Charles III to the people of Wales and contains two splinters of the True Cross given to him by Pope Francis. It is a beautifully crafted symbol of unity made from recycled Welsh silver bullion. It is inscribed with words from the last sermon of St David, the patron saint of Wales:

" Byddwch lawen. Cadwch y ffydd. Gwnewch y Pethau Bychain ”, which translates into English as: “ Be joyful. Keep the faith. Do the little things .”

Our pilgrimage was just over three miles long, only a little thing in terms of distance, but it had been a joyful celebration of the diverse faiths of all who took part, walking together in unity and friendship.

Photography credits to Marcin Mazur

Pilgrims to Rome Virtual Conference

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 11:25:39 GMT

I'm looking forward to taking part in the Pilgrims to Rome Virtual Conference on Sunday 17th April at 8pm.

Dawn Champion , head of community engagement at the British Pilgrimage Trust, will speak on preparing for pilgrimage and walking alone.

David Andrews , ecologist and adviser for Natural England will be presenting on 'Why walk the Via Francigena'.

I will be speaking about ‘Life after the Via Francigena’. In 2008 I walked the Via Francigena from Canterbury to Rome alone and in 2015 I walked on from Rome to Istanbul. These experiences awakened an interest in pilgrimage and led to me starting the Hearts in Search of God project. I have written books about both pilgrimages.

The presentations will be followed by Q&A discussion with the three speakers and the conference hosts Eamonn Mullally and Alex Knox.

You can register for the event below.

The Way of Blessed Cyprian Tansi is ready to walk!

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 09:57:24 GMT

The Way of Blessed Cyprian Tansi is a Pilgrim Way from the Cathedral of St Barnabas in Nottingham to the Shrine of Blessed Cyprian Tansi at Mount St Bernard Monastery near Coalville. Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi (1903–1964) was an Igbo Nigerian priest who became a monk of Mount St Bernard Monastery. He was beatified in 1998.

The Way takes a south-eastern direction through the city centre passing the site of Nottingham Castle to reach the Robin Hood Way which follows the Beeston Canal west and then southwest out of the city. The canal is crossed at a lock to follow the north side of the River Trent long the Trent Valley Way before diverting to the Church of St Francis of Assisi in Long Eaton. The Way returns to the Trent at Trentlock where the path crosses the Erewash Canal and continues west until the Trent is crossed beside a railway bridge.

The route then follows the Midshires Way south-east to reach and follow the River Soar to Kegworth and then Zouch where the River Soar is crossed. The Way passes through Hathern and crosses over the M1 Motorway to reach the Church of St Winefride in Shepshed. After leaving the town the route passes through farmland to reach Mount St Bernard Monastery and the Shrine of Blessed Cyprian Tansi. The Way is generally flat.

The John Bradburne Pilgrimage Walk 2024 is open for booking!

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 09:44:56 GMT

The 2024 John Bradburne Pilgrimage walk will be held on Saturday 8th June 2024.

John Bradburne (1921–1979) was a reluctant hero of the Second World War, a pilgrim and a hermit, a poet and a musician, a joker and a mystic, and a theologian. After many years travelling and searching, he found the place that God wanted him to be – living alongside men and women suffering with leprosy in Mutemwa, Zimbabwe, a place he helped transform into a community of peace, joy and love.

This year John Bradburne Memorial Society will be climbing Cross Fell. This is the highest mountain in England outside the Lake District. John Bradburne climbed and wrote about it many times in his poetry. The summit is just 5 miles from Skirwith where John was born and spent his early years. We start at Kirkland church, walk to Wythwaite then up Grumply Hill to Wildboar Scar and on to the summit where we stop for lunch and prayers.

The walk is 11 miles long with 2,400 feet of ascent and will take approximately 6 hours. You will need to be fairly fit and dressed for a boggy walk with possibly a cold wind, even in June.

Before the walk, there will be a Mass held at St John the Evangelist Church, Skirwith, CA10 1RQ at 10am. All welcome to join the Mass.

There will be refreshments, talks and an exhibition on John Bradburne and the Mutemwa Leprosy Care Centre in the Skirwith Village Hall after the walk.

To book your place and make your donation please visit:

www.johnbradburne.com or call Kate on 07979187498.

The Pilgrims to Rome Annual Conference and Two Cathedrals Walk

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 16:11:47 GMT

The Pilgrims to Rome Annual Conference and Two Cathedrals Walk is in London on Saturday, March 2. The theme is The Via Francigena - Before, During and After the Journey.

Dawn Champion of the British Pilgrimage Trust and Phil McCarthy of Pilgrim Ways will join recently returned Via Francigena pilgrim David Andrews to share their insights and experiences. David, an ecologist and advisor to Natural England, took a 4 month career break to walk the Via Francigena in 2013. As well as considering the highlights and challenges of the journey he will discuss how he managed the constraints of the Shengen rules.

The conference will start at 1pm in the Amigo Hall of St George's RC Cathedral, Southwark which is opposite the Imperial War Museum and close to Waterloo Station. It will finish by 4pm with the opportunity to continue conversations in a nearby pub.

The day itself will start at 9.30am with a guided Two Cathedrals Walk from Westminster RC Cathedral (meet outside the Cathedral's main entrance which is close to Victoria station) to the conference venue. CPR Trustees Brian Mooney and Eamonn Mullally will lead the walk which will take in many sites of pilgrim interest.

Tea and coffee will be available at the conference so do feel free to bring a packed lunch. There is no free on-site car parking. Tickets for the walk and the conference are available now through Eventbrite. Tickets for each event are £5 and donations are welcome. Full details on the Pilgrims to Rome website:

Annual conference 2 March, 2024 – Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome

and book tickets at:

Pilgrims to Rome Conference 2024 Tickets, Sat 2 Mar 2024 at 13:00 | Eventbrite

The Way of Our Lady of Fernyhalgh and St Alphonsa is ready to walk!

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 14:38:41 GMT

The Way of Our Lady of Fernyhalgh & St Alphonsa is a Pilgrim Way for the Diocese of Lancaster and the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain.

The Diocese of Lancaster already has the St Mary's Way , created by the Robinson family, which starts at the Cathedral of St Peter in Lancaster, traverses the Lake District northwards to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary at Cleator. This new Pilgrim Way also starts at the Cathedral, but heads south along the Lancaster Canal towpath out of the City, passing the Polish Church of Our Lady Queen of Poland. The path leaves the canal to reach the cycle path to Condor Green where it heads east to re-join the Canal to reach Garstang. After visiting the Church of SS Mary & Michael the route continues south and then east to cross the M6.

The route passes through farmland to reach the Church of St Thomas the Apostle at Claughton. The Way then visits the Church of St Francis, Hill Chapel near Goosnargh, and the Church of St Mary at Fernyhalgh. Shortly afterward the Ladywell Shrine is reached. The route continues into Preston to the churches of St Thomas of Canterbury & the English Martyrs, St Walburge, St Wilfrid and finally St Alphonsa’s Cathedral of the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain.

The route is 33.8 miles long and is mainly flat, easy walking with plenty of historical interest and beauty.

The Syro-Malabar Church is an Eastern Catholic Church based in Kerala, India, in full communion with the Pope and the worldwide Catholic Church. The Church traces its origins to St Thomas the Apostle in the first century AD and uses the East Syriac Rite liturgy. It is headed by the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar. Significant migration of Syro-Malabar people to the UK occurred from 2000 onwards. In 2016 Pope Francis established the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain. There are 68 priests serving 4 parishes, 52 missions, 30 proposed missions and nearly 50,000 Syro-Malabar Catholics in Great Britain. St Alphonsa's in Preston is the Cathedral of the Catholic Syro-Malabar community in Great Britain.

Arundel & Brighton Ecumenical Pilgrimage 2024

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 16:51:37 GMT

All are welcome to join the Heart of England Walking Pilgrimage from Worcester to Peterborough, 10th to 25th August 2024.

The route takes in Worcester, Coventry and Peterborough cathedrals, Rutland Water and much splendid countryside. There are rest days in Warwick and Market Harborough.

The organisers are the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton ecumenical walking group who have run an annual pilgrimage since 1975 in different parts of England and Wales. Come with us and experience walking as part of our travelling Christian community, whether for a fortnight or just an afternoon! The cost is £350 to walk with us all the way, or £33 per night to book a shorter spell (£31 per night for 7 days or more, 25% discount for under 21s).

To book your place, visit www.thepilgrims.org.uk/book

Walking towards the Jubilee in Father Brown’s Footsteps!

pmccarthy@doctors.org.uk (Phil McCarthy) — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 15:10:53 GMT

Pilgrims from across the Diocese of Leeds and beyond are planning a new walking ‘camino’ this coming Lent, as their ‘first steps’ in the Year of Prayer and Preparation before the 2025 Jubilee, which the Holy Father has announced will have the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.

The new, short pilgrimage is for the intention of ‘Vocations to the Priesthood’. It will take place almost exactly 120 years after Fr John O’Connor (1870-1952), a Diocese of Leeds priest, became the inspiration for GK Chesterton’s famous ‘Father Brown’ stories which, even in today’s BBC TV adaptations, still illustrate the priest’s humane wisdom, understanding and compassion as well as his spiritual and sacramental role. The new Pilgrimage Walk for Vocations will take place on Saturday 16 March 2024 . In keeping with the Diocese's journey towards sustainability, public transport is recommended as there is a railway station and other good public transport links in both Keighley and Ilkley.

After 9.30am Mass at St Anne’s Church, walkers will set off following in ‘Father Brown’s Footsteps’, up Keighley Gate, over Ilkley Moor, and upon reaching the Ilkley Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, will walk up to the Myddelton Grange Calvary for Stations of the Cross. The total distance will be around seven miles, which includes two steep uphills – so walking all the way will not be suitable for those with serious health or fitness issues, although the Keighley/Ilkley Road is metalled for a short distance at each end. This Lenten pilgrimage walk for Vocations is not yet an official diocesan event, so please contact communications@dioceseofleeds.org.uk for more details or click the button below.

The East Anglia Pilgrim Way is ready to walk!

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 12:27:02 GMT

The Way of the Annunciation is a Pilgrim Way for the Diocese of East Anglia from the Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Norwich to the Catholic National Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham in Houghton St Giles and the Church of the Annunciation in Little Walsingham. The total distance is 38.7 miles taking about 15 hours of walking. The Way is flat and easy to follow.

The Annunciation is the visit of the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, during which he told her that she would conceive a son through the power of the Holy Spirit. Mary’s ‘yes’ to this is celebrated on 25 ^th March almost universally throughout Christianity.

The Way follows the Wensum and Walsingham Ways for much of the distance, along a former railway track, quiet back roads and across farmland. The route passes the site of the former Saxon Cathedral at Elmham. At Great Ryburgh the Pilgrim Way leaves the Walsingham Way to visit the Church of St Anthony of Padua in Fakenham, then on to the Catholic Shrine in Houghton St Giles. The final section follows the Pilgrim Way to the Church of the Annunciation at Little Walsingham. Pilgrims may also wish to visit the ruins of Walsingham Priory and the Anglican & Orthodox shrines in Walsingham.

Padley Chapel in Hope Valley: a Pilgrim Valley of Hope

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 06:55:23 GMT

We shouldn't ignore the possibility of a 'touch of grace', from the Holy Spirit, in our lives. Something that our ongoing Synodal journey is reminding us all of. Decide for yourself, in the details of this 'Padley Martyrs' Way', related story.

It was a delight to see Therese Cawley's article ' A pilgrim walk to Padley, down memory lane ', in the 'Hearts in Search of God', Summer Newsletter (August 2023).

Hallam Diocese's, 'Friends of Padley Chapel' had been wondering if we could identify the two pilgrims who arrived at Padley Chapel at the end of their pilgrim walk. Possibly our first, 'out of Diocese' pilgrims.

When the pilgrims arrived and proudly declared an end to their journey, we were vaguely aware of the national project for pilgrimages, in all English & Welsh dioceses. Without a stamp to accredit their pilgrimage officially, we offered a Padley Chapel badge as confirmation of their pilgrimage. It was warmly accepted. Phil McCarthy has graciously, sent us a Pilgrim stamp, so that we are now better prepared, to be able to acknowledge Pilgrim's completion of this 'Way'. We only recognised from reading Therese's article, that she was once a student of Notre Dame High School, Sheffield. The Chapel guides who welcomed her, had strong connections with the school, either through their children' education or teaching there.

I shared with them, the sense of co-incidence, that the Sheffield Universities' Chaplaincy students, had completed this Hallam Pilgrimage recently, in the same week I joined a walk exploring a possible route for a ' Padley Martyrs' Pilgrimage - Padley to Derby', walking the likely route of the Blesseds Ludlam, Garlick and the Fitzherbert household, along the Derwent to St Mary' Bridge Chapel in Derby, where the Blesseds were martyred, July 1588. So, the whole route from Sheffield Castle to St Mary's Chapel Bridge Derby, was completed in the same week, without any co-ordination.

The mid sections of the 'Derwent Valley Heritage Way', is the most likely route of a 'Padley Martyrs' Way - Padley to Derby'. The River Derwent has carved a route for peoples across the landscape, for thousands of years. Even more convinced, by seeing centuries old flood management in the landscape, that directed travellers away from the edge of the Derwent, even along an Iron Age 'Portway' route.

The Hallam Diocese's 'Friends of Padley Chapel' have certainly taken inspiration from the 'Hearts in Search of God' project. To ensure that Padley Chapel, continues to be shared as a 'spiritual treasure' we are exploring, the amazing history of individuals (many as recusants), who maintained the Catholic faith, in the Hope Valley and the High Peak Derbyshire, despite persecution. The history we are encountering, also identifies the shared Christian cultural heritage and understanding between Christian denominations, in the most difficult of circumstances. Furthermore, whilst acting as guides at Padley Chapel, we experience positive, appreciative and enquiring responses from visitors of different faiths and of none.

Pope Francis has declared that 2025 will be a Jubilee, a Holy Year, and the theme he has chosen is ' Pilgrims of Hope '. Padley Chapel is in the Hope Valley. It was a 'valley of hope', for many Catholics of the High Peak and for others, who walked to it, over the centuries. Let us aim to be guided by the Holy Spirit's 'touches of grace' in our lives, in this year of preparation for the Jubilee 2025, as 'followers of the Way'.

Gerard Bonner
Friends of Padley Chapel
Hallam Diocese

The Hearts in Search of God Advent Newsletter

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 17:45:37 GMT

Dear friend

Welcome to the Advent 2023 Hearts in Search of God Project newsletter. I was enchanted by the bus shelter Nativity scene above, near the Northampton Pilgrim Way when I walked it last year!

The first year of this three-year project to promote walking pilgrimage in England & Wales is complete. I am grateful to the Sisters of the Holy Cross for their continued support for the Project over the coming year, and to CAFOD for their collaboration. 2024 will be a year of preparation for the Holy Year of 2025 with its motto 'Pilgrims of Hope'. I am planning an onsite and online conference to encourage people to undertake walking pilgrimage to mark the Holy Year. More news soon!

Pilgrim Ways

There are now GPX files available for routes in all the dioceses of England & Wales and full walking directions in the dioceses of Arundel & Brighton , Birmingham , Brentwood , Cardiff , Clifton , Hallam , Lancaster , Leeds , Liverpool , Middlesbrough , Northampton , Southwark and Westminster . The Cornish Celtic Catholic Way has been contributed by Frans Vossenberg and family from the USA. The Pilgrim Way for the Diocese of East Anglia will be the next to be published.

Resources

These include resources for group pilgrimage, pilgrim passports and certificates of completion. There is a new webpage for people who would like to add to the significance of their pilgrimage by raising money to help others .

Going deeper

Articles on the 'Going Deeper' webpages provide context and expert background to pilgrimage. Over the last few months the following contributions have been published:

Fleur Dorrell, the Catholic Scripture Engagement Manager for the Catholic Bishops' Conference and Bible Society has written an article on what makes a religious journey
Professor John Eade has written an article about the thought of anthropologists Victor & Edith Turner and pilgrimage as 'communitas'
Fr Andre Brouillette SJ has written a piece on the theology of pilgrimage

I am grateful for these experts for the gift of their time and expertise which really adds to the resources on the website.

News, Stories & Events

I am grateful to all those who have contributed stories over the last few months. Topics include:

Artist Liz Garnet on what makes a creative pilgrimage
Therese & Patrick Cawley describe walking the Way of Our Lady of Guadalupe how a hymn composed in Olney brought back memories
American pilgrim Frans A Vossenberg writes on reclaiming the religious heart of Britain
Author Leigh Hatts describes the inspiration for his book on the Pilgrims' Way to Canterbury
David Richardson, Peace through Justice Worker for the Sisters of St Joseph of Peace, describes a recent pilgrimage for peace to protest an arms fair in London
Writer Andy Bull describes an autumn day pilgrimage from Arundel and his project to rediscover pilgrimages to Walsingham
Retired headteacher Martin Rainsford walked the Westminster Way and reflects on the universality of the Church and how art serves its mission
Academic Anne E. Bailey recounts the extraordinary life of medieval pilgrim Margery Kempe
Therese Cawley on how the Padley Martyrs Way reminded her of those who have gone before marked with the sign of faith
John Ashdown on a group pilgrimage on the Cornish Saints Way

I have also written on pilgrimage during the 2025 Jubilee , with its motto 'Pilgrims of Hope', on the life of Blessed Cyprian Tansi and on shrines as places of consolation .

Feedback on the Ways

I would be grateful for any feedback you have about the proposed Ways, and to hear of your experience of walking them. Don't forget to download your pilgrim passport before you set off and your certificate of completion when you come home.

If you have a story or a pilgrim resource to share, please contact me through the website.

Please share this newsletter with people who may be interested. I hope you enjoy the website, designed by the wonderful team at Everyday Christian Marketing .

Wishing you every Advent blessing and a merry Christmas when it arrives.

Phil McCarthy, Project Lead

From Shrine to Shrine: a Norfolk pilgrim path in honour of Our Lady of Walsingham

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 17:16:14 GMT

To walk from King’s Lynn to Walsingham is to follow in the footsteps of Margery Kempe, that remarkable 15th century visionary and mystic. It is also a walk between two shrines to Our Lady of Walsingham. And what a lovely walk it is.

Or course, much has changed since 1433 when Margery journeyed from her home town, via Walsingham, Norwich and Ipswich, on a pilgrimage to Prussia. For one thing, it would be over 450 years before Pope Leo XIII established the first post-Reformation Shrine to Our Lady of Walsingham in England, at the Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation, King’s Lynn .

For another, Margery Kempe would not live to see the creation of the remarkable Chapel of our Lady of the Mount, generally known as the Red Mount Chapel , in 1483. This was probably modelled on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site of Christ’s tomb and ultimate goal of pilgrims to Jerusalem, and was created for those leaving Lynn on their way to Walsingham. It has three storeys, and pilgrims entered at the ground floor, an area that symbolised the tomb in which Christ’s body was lain. From there they followed a narrow stairway up to a middle level, which represented the empty tomb and the risen Christ. A final staircase took pilgrims up to the chapel roof, which reflected the ascension of Christ to glory. Red Mount makes a perfect stepping-off point from Lynn for modern-day pilgrims, if you can catch it on one of its rare open days.

When, in 1934, the Slipper Chapel at Walsingham became the National Catholic Shrine, its King’s Lynn precursor became a pontifical shrine, and hence makes a perfect starting point for Catholic pilgrims walking to Walsingham. Many came this way pre-Reformation, as is testified by the numerous pilgrim badges found in the mud of the Purfleet, where their ships docked, and now in Lynn’s museum.

Last year I published a guidebook to the London to Walsingham Camino, [ www.trailblazer-guides.com ] an attempt to assist pilgrims to walk on what was once the most important route in England, to our greatest Holy Shrine. Now I am moving to the next stage in my efforts to enable walking pilgrimage to Walsingham by identifying and re-instating the many other routes that ran across Norfolk to it.

I have around a dozen potential routes, where there is historic evidence that they were followed by Walsingham Pilgrims: a couple from King’s Lynn, the same number from Norwich, plus routes from Norfolk ports where there were ships licensed to carry pilgrims, including Yarmouth, Cromer, Cley, and Wells next the Sea. These are in addition – as far as I am aware – to routes already established or under development by others. These paths will take in other key Norfolk pilgrim destinations, including Bromholm Priory, which held a reputed fragment of the True Cross. Many of them were identified by Leonard Whatmore, in his 1973 publication Highway to Walsingham, but he didn’t walk them. That’s my task.

I made a start last week by walking one of the potential routes between Lynn and Walsingham, going via Castle Rising, and the Church of St Lawrence, with its really fine Norman west front. There was once an Anchorhold here, and I imagine Margery Kempe consulting the anchorite as she passed through on her way to Walsingham.

There is a curious echo of St Felix, who brought Christianity to East Anglia in round 630, in the Norman font. The church guide tells me: ‘There are three cat’s faces on the west side, possibly as a play on the fact that the old church was dedicated to St Felix (Felix being the Latin for cat)’ Or could they just be three devilish heads? Felix is believed to have reached Norfolk by boat, sailing up the Wash to the hamlet of Babingley, just a half-mile north of Castle Rising.

A second highlight of the path I am exploring came on day two, when I reached the ruins of Creake Abbey, dedicated to St Mary of the Meadows, at North Creake. Here, a group of Augustinian canons founded the Hospital of St Bartholomew in 1217. What began as a small chapel became a priory with a substantial church, but its fortunes took a drastic turn. In 1484 it was devastated by fire, after which pestilence struck, killing each of the canons in turn, until the abbot died alone in 1506.

Next steps

At the bottom of this post you will find links to GPX mapping of this route, split into two day-walks, which you can download, and follow on your phone. They aren’t definitive, and if you should walk them your comments (and potential improvements) are welcome, via andyzbull@gmail.com .

A King’s Lynn Pilgrim Trail offers a guide to the many interesting places in the town, including those associated with Margery Kempe. For more about her fascinating life read Anne E Bailey's blog on this website.

The Hearts in Search of God Diocese of East Anglia Pilgrim Way from Norwich to Walsingham can be found here .

GPX mapping downloads

King’s Lynn to Great Bircham (16.3 miles)

https://out.ac/IPNqpk

Great Bircham to Walsingham (15.3 miles)

https://out.ac/IPNqrG

Places of consolation

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 13:24:51 GMT

“From all Shrines, may a hymn of thanksgiving to the Lord be raised for the wonders that he achieves even in our times.

And may the intercession of the Mother of God be implored, so that, in these troubled times,

many of our suffering brothers and sisters may find peace and hope.”

Pope Francis, address 11th November 2023

As the Pope says in this address to shrine rectors and those involved in pilgrimage, we live in troubled times: many of our brothers and sisters are suffering. How can we find peace and hope for the world? Perhaps one way is by walking to a shrine. St Jerome reminded the people of his age (AD 342-420) that:

“The true worshippers worship the Father neither at Jerusalem nor on mount Gerizim; for God is spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth .” John 4:24

Despite the truth of this, shrines have an important place in Catholic Christianity. On a visit to Santiago de Compostela in 2010 Pope Benedict XVI described them as places to:

“… encounter God where he has revealed himself, where his grace has shone with particular splendour and produced rich fruits of conversion and holiness among those who believe.”

Pope Francis has also emphasised the importance of shrines and popular devotions. In an address to shrine rectors and others involved in pilgrimage in 2016 he reminded them that everyone who visits a shrine from the committed to the curious has a “heart in search of God” and his words inspired this project!

In 2017 Francis issued an Apostolic Letter called “ Sanctuarium in Ecclesia ” transferring responsibilities for shrines to the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization. This is because:

“These places, despite the crisis of faith that engulfs the contemporary world, are still perceived as sacred spaces to which pilgrims go to find a moment of rest, silence and contemplation in today’s often hectic life. A hidden desire gives rise to a nostalgia for God in many of them; and shrines can be a true refuge for rediscovering oneself and regaining the necessary strength for conversion.”

He argued that walking towards the shrine and participating in its spirituality is an act of evangelization which deserves to be valued.

In November 2023 Pope Francis spoke again to shrine rectors and others about the importance of pilgrims receiving forgiveness and having opportunities for adoration, and the importance of hope. But it was another aspect of his talk particularly struck me - consolation:

“One goes to Shrines also to be consoled. The mystery of consolation. How many people go there because they bear in the spirit and the body a weight, a suffering, a worry! The sickness of a loved one, the loss of a family member; so many situations in life are often the cause of loneliness and sadness, which are laid on the altar and await a response. Consolation is not an abstract idea, and is not made up first and foremost of words, but of a compassionate and tender closeness that understands pain and suffering. Compassionate and tender closeness. This is God's style: close, compassionate and tender. This is the way of the Lord.”

He goes on to point out that we can only effectively comfort others if we have first looked at the truth of our own lives and accepted consolation ourselves:

“In our history, each one of us has difficult, ugly moments in which the Lord has comforted us. Do not forget this. And remembering our own experience of consolation will help us to console others. And this experience passes through the motherhood of Mary, the ‘Consolata’ par excellence.”

What do we mean by consolation? In football a 'consolation goal' is one scored by a losing team towards the end of a game. It gives no hope of victory, but briefly lifts the spirits of the defeated side. Some philosophers provide purely naturalistic consolations when faced with the apparent ultimate futility of life. In contrast the Christian understanding of consolation is the gift of hope and strength in times of grief, distress, or suffering. Unlike the consolation goal it points toward an eventual victory.

Our Lady of Consolation is one of the earliest names for Mary and dates from the 2nd century. In the 18th century the custom of asking for the final blessing before death in the name of Our Lady of Consolation was popular. There is a Shrine to Our Lady of Consolation at West Grinstead in Sussex at the end of the Arundel & Brighton Pilgrim Way . If you undertake this pilgrimage perhaps you could use it as a time to reflect on where your own life needs healing and consolation, or perhaps in memory of a loved one who has died, or for peace and hope for the world.

In December 2022 I walked the Northampton Pilgrim Way from Northampton Cathedral to the Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Great Billing and on to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Bedford, a place of devotion especially for Mexican Catholics. At the time I was suffering from bad sciatica which made walking painful, but the weather was cold, crisp and clear, I met some wonderful people, and my spirits lifted. I wasn’t healed at the shrine, but the simple fact that I had made it was a great consolation.

You can find out more about shrines and a list of the Catholic shrines of England & Wales here . The list is not exhaustive, so if you are aware of any I have missed, please let me know at pilgrimwaysew@gmail.com

Phil McCarthy

Photo credits: Phil McCarthy and Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer - CSsR

Our pilgrimage on the Saints Way

Sat, 25 Nov 2023 14:35:15 GMT

What an incredible journey we experienced on the Saints Way pilgrimage. It was a great opportunity to forget the stress and strain of everyday life and enjoy the peaceful Cornish countryside, having time to talk with each other whilst tracing the footsteps of Cornish saints.

Following a blessing from Father Paul Keys in St Petroc we set off, initially following the Camel Trail out of Padstow. The route took us along secluded creeks to St Petroc Minor Church in Little Petherick where Father John held midday prayers.

We then began the long climb to St Breock Downs which is the highest non granite point in the county. Conditions underfoot were very challenging but the Standing Stone and views from the top were spectacular which made it all worthwhile.

Following the route past Standing Stones and Celtic Crosses our next stop was Withiel and the impressive St Clement Church. Clement the First was 3 ^rd successor to St Peter as Bishop of Rome and was influential in the early development of the Christian Church. From there our support drove us to Lanivet where we moved on to Bodmin for the evening. Father John Deeney celebrated Mass in St Mary and St Petroc’s Church in Bodmin, a very beautiful Church, before we set off from Lanivet on day two.

Before leaving Lanivet we visited its Church which was very special. Talking to a passionate local parishioner, he told us so much about the history of the Church. Fortunately, the inclement weather had eased by the time we left Lanivet on our way to Helman Tor and Llanlivery. In Llanlivery we enjoyed a welcome coffee in the medieval Crown Inn (circa 1130) before having midday prayers at St Bryvyth Church. The granite tower of the 15 ^th century Church is the third highest Church tower in Cornwall.

Feeling refreshed we started our final leg of the journey to Fowey passing through Crewel Cross and Milltown towards Golant. This part of the pilgrimage was particularly hilly to navigate, both up and down, and in places very testing. We did find along the route that strangers were very open and welcoming even offering us drinks and letting us rest.

We approached Fowey as light began to fade arriving at St Fimbarrus Church at 5.00pm. What a journey we had been on, although a little tired it was very fulfilling to know we had completed our pilgrimage safely.

A heartfelt thank you to Filipe and Asia who provided transport to Padstow and from Fowey, it was very much appreciated. Thanks also to Stephen for acting as support on day one, Father Paul Keys and Kate in Bodmin for providing supper and somewhere warm to sleep.

Written by John Ashdown. Photographs by Nicole Forrester

The Cornish Celtic Catholic Way is ready to walk!

pmccarthy@doctors.org.uk (Phil McCarthy) — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 12:03:57 GMT

The Cornish Celtic Catholic Way is a Pilgrim Way for the Diocese of Plymouth from the Cathedral of SS Mary & Boniface in Plymouth to St Michael's Mount, Marazion, Cornwall.

The Way has been generously contributed by Frans Vossenberg from Fredericksburg, Virginia in the USA, who walked it with his family during August 2023. All photos associated with the Way are copyright Frans Vossenberg & family.

The pilgrimage is based upon Rev Nigel Marns' wonderful Cornish Celtic Way . This adaptation emphasizes Holy Wells, Celtic Crosses, Church Sanctuary 'Champing' and Catholic Spirituality with detours to St. Austell, St. Michael's Chapel at Roche Rock and Tintagel. A rest day at Padstow has been included for an excursion to St. Materiana's Church plus St. Piran's Chapel/Well and St. Nectan's waterfall in Trethevy, and a rest day in St. Ives.

From the Cathedral of SS Mary & Boniface, the mother church of the Diocese of Plymouth, it is an easy walk to Plymouth railway station. There are regular trains to St Germans where the Way starts. The train journey takes 15 minutes.

The 157 mile walking route includes major parts of the Cornish Celtic Way, the Southwest Coast Path, the Saint's Way and St. Michael's Way. It extends west along the south coast from St. Germans, across the peninsula from Fowey to Padstow, down the Atlantic Coast to St. Ives and then across West Penwith to St. Michael's Mount. For more information on the Plymouth Diocesan page of this website click the button below.

For more information about the Cornish Celtic Way and to buy the Rev Nigel Marns' book and pilgrim passport please click on the button below.

A pilgrim walk to Padley down memory lane

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 09:22:55 GMT

The Hallam Pilgrim Way was a nostalgic journey for my husband Patrick and me.

A two hour drive from Northamptonshire meant a very early start for us as we wished to start our pilgrimage with 8.00am mass at St Marie's Cathedral. We parked in the Nunnery Square Park and Ride and caught the first tram to the city centre. The other option for Park and Ride is Meadowhall but there wasn't any transport early enough to get to the Cathedral in time. I found the Cathedral more beautiful than I had ever noticed in the past and we received a warm Yorkshire welcome.

I had previously attended Sunday Mass there in the 1970s. I also sometimes attended weekday mass when on the days I was at the Northern General Hospital an early bus left me in Sheffield centre with time to spare. We sat near the Blessed Sacrament chapel where weekday Mass was said and I remembered how a random lady had given me a nurses prayer plaque and nurses dictionary, which I still have. Beside the chapel was a kneeler, the plaque said it had been donated by the Sisters of Notre Dame on closure of the Cavendish Street section of the school in the 1980's. This was my old school. This gave me a theme for my pilgrimage, to pray for those that had gone before us, inspiring us with their deep faith and leaving us with a great legacy.

After Mass we started the walk and passed the building at the top of Norfolk Row that had housed Georgian Goldsmiths where my wedding ring was purchased in 1979. The walk through the centre was a little disappointing with little sign of the splendid shops that once filled it (likely due to Meadowhall). No 'Hole in the Road' anymore: where ever do people meet each other now without the 'fishtank'? We called at The Anglican Cathedral hoping to obtain a stamp for our Pilgrim passport but this was kept in the shop which, being Sunday, was not yet open.

We passed the City Hall with memories of school prize giving, dancing in Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat in the school production and meeting Bishop Gerald Moverley then Auxiliary Bishop in Leeds before the creation of the Hallam Diocese. We also saw Suzi Quatro and Elkie Brooks there. Across from the City Hall, Cole Brothers sadly looked quite derelict . I remembered sharing tea with my fellow trainees, served in a silver teapot, on a table with a white linen cloth by a lady in full waitress uniform. We then walked past the site of the old Royal Hospital and the site of Cavendish street school. Nothing left now, just a street named Convent Walk. I unsuccessfully went hunting for Pollard's coffee shop that filled our mornings with the smell of roast coffee beans. Later in the day I found the shop had moved to Ecclesall Rd, which runs parallel to Endcliffe Park, and we could have called in if we had known.

The walk though Endcliffe Park was very busy with runners but great to see so many people out having fun. A bacon sandwich big enough to sustain a marathon runner in Endcliffe Park set us up for the rest of the day. As we walked up the valley we called at a museum that used to be a knife sharpening workshop, interesting to see the conditions with my Occupational Health hat on and learn that the life expectancy of the workers was 35 years. Apparently this was tolerated as knife sharpening was a special skill and they received higher pay than workers in less skilled roles. The valley would have been filled with this type of workshop related to the cutlery industry all making use of the water power of the rivers that fed Sheffield.

We carried on and came to Ringinglow, a first Geography field trip in the 1970s. The Roundhouse, an old Toll House being prominent, with the Norfolk Arms looking out over the City, such spectacular views! The walk then moves on to moorland and it was lovely to feel the Millstone Grit beneath our feet again. Our first walk together was along Burbage Edge and back. Such lovely memories. Views of the Toads Mouth stone through the trees along Padley Gorge made us smile as we always did when we spotted it when driving along the road in the past. It was lovely to be greeted by a passing gentleman with 'na then, luv' in his best Yorkshire accent.

Pat remembered how he had been taken to Padley with an old Priest in the parish and they made tea on a stove, he later gave Pat the kettle and we still have it, a bit battered but still functional. We received a great welcome at the chapel being given a guided tour by one of the volunteers. Again we learned of those that went before us marked with the sign of faith. The volunteers were full of apologies for not having a pilgrim stamp for our passports but filled our hands with other gifts.

Grindleford Station Café provided very welcome refreshments before a train ride back into Sheffield and walk back to Nunnery Square completed our pilgrimage. It would never have occurred to us to walk from the City centre into Derbyshire but it was such a great walk. What an amazing day we had, and I will now rename it; 'Therese's Nostalgia Walk'!

Therese Cawley

Walk for Missio!

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 12:25:22 GMT

About Missio

We are the Pope’s official charity for world mission, supporting missionaries to work alongside communities in need around the world.

Why walk for Missio

'How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring Good News’

When you walk with Missio, you walk with the world – with the poorest, with the most marginalised; with all those of our global family most in need of the Good News of Christ. Walking a pilgrimage is an incredibly fitting way to support us – with a ‘heart on fire and feet on the move’, our amazing supporters are each a mission in the world, enabling missionaries to bring help, hope, and Good News to all our sisters and brothers in need.

How you can help the people we serve

You can set up a Just Giving page and choosing Missio as the charity you want to support (you can also find us here: https://justgiving.com/missio ).

We’d love to help you promote your fundraising – please find all the ways to contact us at https://missio.org.uk/contact-missio/

How to organise a group pilgrimage to support our work

We’re delighted you’re thinking of planning a pilgrim walk for Missio! Organising a pilgrimage is such a rewarding experience, and we want to support you in having a safe and enjoyable event. These group pilgrimage resources on the Hearts in Search of God website are a great place to start. If your group is likely to include children or vulnerable adults, please refer to our Safeguarding Policy: https://missio.org.uk/missio-safeguarding-policy/

Prayer

Our special way-marker prayers are especially written for Missio community walking events. Download them here https://missio.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Emmaus-Walk-Prayers.pdf . You can also use any of the prayer resources on the Hearts in Search of God website to pray for the people we work with and for our staff.

Contact

You can contact our Outreach team by emailing info@missio.org.uk

Margery Kempe: a 'woman in motion'

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 09:07:59 GMT

Margery Kempe, who worshipped in Kings Lynn Minster (pictured above), was an extraordinary woman and an indefatigable medieval pilgrim.

Walkers passing through the town of Oroso in Spain on the Camino Inglés will meet one of England’s most famous medieval pilgrims. Far from her home in Kings Lynn, Margery Kempe has been immortalised in stone close to the bridge she would have crossed on her way to St James’s shrine in Santiago de Compostela. But who was Margery Kempe and why is she commemorated so far from her native county of Norfolk?

Margery is one of those colourful personalities who attracts a variety of different responses. To many she is an acclaimed mystic, to others she is an intrepid pilgrim, and to some she is a religious fanatic given to loud, public displays of weeping and wailing. Her overly emotional behaviour has been pathologized as, among other things, postnatal psychosis and Jerusalem syndrome.

These modern perceptions of Margery are not so different from those of her fifteenth-century contemporaries. Although Margery had many supporters, others were unimpressed by her noisy religiosity, suggesting she had drunk too much wine or was possessed by a wicked spirit. A friar alleged she had a heart condition rather than a gift from God, while less generous detractors wished she were “put out to sea in a bottomless boat”.

Despite her famed eccentricities, Margery is today perhaps best known as a pilgrim. Born in 1373 and married at the age of twenty, she took up religious travel later in life leaving behind fourteen children and several failed business ventures. She travelled widely across England, visiting many of the country’s foremost pilgrimage destinations including Canterbury, York, and Walsingham. Her overseas journeys took her to the celebrated shrines of Wilsnack and Aachen in Germany, to Rome and Jerusalem and, of course, to Santiago de Compostela where she followed the Camino Inglés and passed through Oroso.

Considering her lack of formal education, one of Margery’s greatest achievements was to author, with the help of scribes, a book narrating her life story. The Book of Margery Kempe – which might be described as a free-thinking, religious autobiography in homely Middle English – is the main medium through which we get to know this extraordinary medieval woman and learn about her numerous pilgrimages. While Margery was not the only female travelling on pilgrimage in the fifteenth century, she is unique in that no other woman of her time recorded her journeys with quite so much passion and in such detail.

As well as telling us much about pilgrimage in the late Middle Ages, Margery’s Book highlights some of the challenges faced by women on long-distance journeys. Margery herself comes across as a tough, determined, and resilient traveller. She took her first pilgrimage in her forties and, at the age of sixty with a painful leg, she made her way across eastern Germany sleeping in barns and valiantly trying to keep up with her younger companions. She was also fearless, instructing the Archbishop of Canterbury to rebuke his household for swearing, and brazenly telling the Archbishop of York – who had apprehended her for questioning – that she “had heard tell” that he was “a wicked man”. However, we also glimpse Margery in her more vulnerable moments: we witness her terror at sea during a life-threatening storm, and her constant worry of sexual assault as a lone female pilgrim.

Margery, of course, is no ordinary pilgrim and her pilgrimages are all the more hazardous because of her unconventional behaviour. On a visit to Canterbury, her exuberant weeping not only annoys the monks and priests; it also embarrasses her long-suffering husband, John, who disowns her for a day. Things get worse when Margery entertains a street crowd with stories from Scripture. How did an illiterate woman have access to these religious texts, people ask? Surely she was either a heretic or possessed by the devil? All alone outside the gates of Canterbury, Margery trembles with fright as people shout, “Take her and burn her!” She is eventually rescued by two men who escort her safely to her lodgings.

The pilgrimage which receives the most attention in Margery’s Book is her journey to the Holy Land. Like other late-medieval pilgrims, Margery spends her time touring the popular Biblical attractions such as the Holy Sepulchre Church in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the River Jordan, and the Mount of Temptation. Needless to say, her trip is far from trouble free. Her noisy weeping and her habit of constantly talking about God – even at the dinner table – makes her very unpopular with her companions. On the voyage out, her fellow pilgrims try to abandon her and, when that fails, they attempt to shame her by forcing her to wear foolish clothing. Their spiteful bullying continues all the way to Jerusalem: they threaten to turn her maidservant against her, they steal her money, and they confiscate the bedding necessary for her sea passage.

Once in Jerusalem, however, Margery comes into her own. As was the custom, she and her pilgrim companions spend twenty-four hours in the Church of Holy Sepulchre and are shown around by their Franciscan hosts. Margery follows them with her candle, weeping without restraint. When they reach Calvary, Margery collapses, writhing and crying aloud, claiming she could see the Crucifixion and Christ’s body punctured with “more holes than any dovecot”.

The pilgrimage we hear about the least is, ironically, Margery’s journey to Santiago. We know she took ship from Bristol, reached Santiago in seven days, and stayed for two weeks. She must have passed through the town of Oroso as she followed the “English Way” from the port city of La Corũna to Santiago, but the only trace of her today is the modern statue in which she smiles benignly at travellers passing across the town’s medieval bridge.

One reason we hear so little about Margery’s Santiago pilgrimage is because the Book of Margery Kempe is a spiritual memoir rather than a travel account. Margery’s main purpose was to inform her readers about her mystical visions, her special relationship with Christ, and her religious conversations and musings. In this respect, some of her most striking pilgrimages are not geographical but spiritual. Margery had the ability to travel in her mind, and her Book includes several episodes in which she effectively time-travels back to first-century Palestine and interacts with some well-known Gospel characters.

One of the most vivid of Margery’s virtual pilgrimages occurs during an Easter spent at home in Lynn. While in contemplation in her parish church, she is spiritually transported to Jerusalem where she witnesses Christ’s passion. She sees Christ arrested, and then tortured and beaten. After Christ’s burial, Margery accompanies the Virgin Mary home, and there follows a touching scene where the grief-stricken Mary lies on the bed and Margery comforts her by making her a hot drink of spiced wine.

Despite her extensive wanderings, Margery’s life was anchored at home in the Norfolk town of Lynn, now Kings Lynn. It was to Lynn where Margery always returned after her travels, and it is here where she dictated her Book to her two scribes, close to the parish church of St Margaret’s where she experienced her Easter vision.

In many ways, it is more fitting to commemorate Margery in her hometown rather than on a road in Spain, and another statue of Margery now stands in what was once her parish church, Kings Lynn Minster (see images above and below). Entitled, “A Woman in Motion”, the sculpture by Rosemary Goodenough nicely captures two sides of Margery’s personality. Head bowed in prayer, she is static and rooted in her parish church. And yet, at the same time – and dressed in swirling pilgrim attire – she is off and away to her next pilgrimage destination.

Anne E. Bailey

____________

' A Woman in Motion ' sculpture by Rosemary Goodenough in Kings Lynn Minster

Walking the Westminster Way

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 09:06:17 GMT

The Way of Two Cathedrals and Four Shrines

I thoroughly enjoyed this Pilgrim Way walk. The notes accompanying the Way are detailed and illuminative and thoroughly enhance the enjoyment of the pilgrimage. Rather than repeat the excellent information on the notes, I have chosen to reflect on some of the themes which came to my mind during the pilgrimage and since.

The journey

The Way is best done with others, but solo, as I did it, is good too. It can be done in a day but would be better over two days. Saturday and Sunday would give the best opportunity of having all churches open for visiting.

There is something visceral about a pilgrimage. You are fully in the present. All the senses are involved. You feel each step, more so at the end of the day. You are navigating a busy city and need all your streetwise skills. You also need physical sustenance to keep you going. And yet mind, body and spirit are as one. This feeling of wholeness is a perfect antidote to other days of living a more fragmented existence.

One of the joys of having stages on the Way is that you have time to anticipate each stage and then to assimilate them. You may be seeing familiar places but seeing them in a new way. Time to think and reflect between the stages is part of the pleasure. It is not all pleasure though. Sometimes you can be brought up sharp: for example, with the realisation, as at St Giles and Tyburn, that you are at places where people were executed for their faith. You are walking in the footsteps of martyrs. How hard it would be to share their shoes.

The universality of the Church

Westminster Cathedral was built in what was then the slums of Westminster, a symbolism not lost on Cardinal Manning who purchased the site and who also made a great contribution internationally to Catholic social teaching.

This pilgrimage includes: the profound legacies of the Jesuit and Dominican communities in their churches at Farm Street and Haverstock Hill; the witness of the Benedictine sisters at Tyburn; the beacon for the Ukrainian Catholic community at the Ukrainian Cathedral; and the shrines at Corpus Christi, Tyburn, the Rosary shrine and the shrine of Our Lady of Willesden. Along with the diocesan churches, all of these locations bear witness to the universality of the Church’s mission.

Art in the service of worship, mission and faith.

Since the earliest years of the Church, the arts have been instruments serving the Church’s mission and nurturing faith. This is deeply evident in this pilgrimage, in each cathedral, church and shrine. One theme shared in all Catholic places of worship is the honour given to the Virgin Mary. In a tradition as old as the Church, there are many representations of Mary and this pilgrimage is rich indeed in images, sculptures and icons of the Virgin Mary. From the medieval statues to the breath-taking contemporary painting of Mother Mary at Farm Street, each age finds a way to retell the story of faith. Some of the highlights in this pilgrimage are shown below. Another highlight for me is the sculpture of Homeless Jesus, also at Farm Street (see image above). The juxtaposition of Homeless Jesus in this beautiful church and inclusive parish, at the heart of the wealthiest district of London, is a powerful witness to the gospel message.

I hope that you will enjoy this pilgrimage as much as I did.

Martin Rainsford

The Liverpool Pilgrim Way is ready to walk!

Sat, 28 Oct 2023 09:28:29 GMT

The Liverpool Pilgrim Way is a 30.1 mile long route from the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King in Liverpool to the Shrines of Blessed Dominic Barberi in St Helens & St Edmund Arrowsmith in Ashton-in-Makerfield.

The Way passes the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament in central Liverpool, before reaching the waterfront. The route follows the River Mersey, then crosses the site of the Festival Gardens to reach the Church of St Charles Borromeo, St Michael's Hamlet. The Way crosses Sefton Park and then Calderstones Botanic Garden to reach the Church of St Mary at Woolton.

The Way soon joins the Liverpool Loop Line path then crosses farmland by lane and track to reach the Church of St Bartholomew at Rainhill. The route traverses rewilded former collieries to the Shrine of Blessed Dominic Barberi in Sutton, St Helens. From there the path crosses town and country to the Shrine of St Edmund Arrowsmith at Ashton-in-Makerfield.

Blessed Dominic Barberi (1792–1849) was an Italian Passionist priest who played an important part in the re-emergence of Catholicism in England. He was beatified in 1963.

St Edmund Arrowsmith (1585-1628) was martyred for being a priest. He was canonised in 1970 as one of the Forty English Martyrs.

The life of Blessed Cyprian Tansi

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 08:03:14 GMT

'If you are going to be a Christian at all, you might as well live entirely for God.' [1]

Blessed Cyprian Tansi, (1903-1964)

'We should reflect constantly that we have renounced the world and as strangers and foreigners we sojourn here for a time.' [2]

Saint Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage (249-258)

Iwene Tansi was born in 1903 in Igboezunu, southern Nigeria. His parents, Tabansi and Ejikwevi, were Igbo farmers who practised traditional religion. In 1909 he was sent to the Christian village of Nduka, where he was baptized three years later by Irish missionaries and given the name Michael.

He was an able and diligent student and qualified as a teacher, soon becoming a headteacher, but in 1925, against his family’s wishes, he entered St Paul's Seminary in Igbariam. After finishing his philosophical and theological studies, he was ordained a priest by Bishop Heerey in the cathedral of Onitsha in 1937. He was the first indigenous priest in the Aguleri region. In 1939 he was appointed parish priest of Dunukofia. His example of prayer and joyful dedication to others deeply affected the community, resulting in many vocations to the priesthood and religious life. He showed the same attributes during his time as parish priest of Akpu, where he served from 1945 until his transfer to Aguleri in 1949. He especially strove to promote the dignity of women and the education of young people.

Despite being a successful parish priest Fr Tansi felt a desire for a life of complete self-surrender to God in a contemplative Order. At a meeting of diocesan clergy sometime in 1949 or 1950, Bishop Heerey expressed the desire that one of his priests would embrace the monastic life so that he could later establish a contemplative monastery in the Diocese of Onitsha. Fr Tansi volunteered, and the Trappist Abbey of Mount St Bernard in Leicestershire accepted him for a trial period as an oblate. Life in Trappist monasteries follows the Strict Observance of the Cistercian Rule with an emphasis on fraternity, solitude and silence.

In the summer of 1950 Fr Tansi led his parishioners on a pilgrimage to Rome for the Holy Year and went on from there to Mount St Bernard. English culture and weather must have been a terrible shock, but he settled into this new enclosed and austere life of prayer, humility and obedience, working in the refectory and bookbindery. After two and a half years as an oblate, he was admitted to the novitiate, taking the name Cyprian, after the 3 ^rd Century bishop of Carthage of African Berber descent. Fr Tansi was solemnly professed as a monk of St Bernard on 8 December 1956. His brother monks remembered him as “absorbed in prayer” and “a living example of patience and charity”.

In 1963 the time seemed right to establish a monastery in Nigeria, but political tensions in the country led his superiors to choose to found the new monastery in neighbouring Cameroon instead. This was a bitter blow for Fr Cyprian, and his brother monks recalled it as only time they ever saw him angry. At last he came to accept the decision as God's will.

In January 1964 he became suddenly unwell and sadly died a few days later in Leicester Royal Infirmary of an aortic aneurysm. He was buried at Mount St Bernard. Fr Tansi had long expressed the desire to return to Nigeria so in 1988 his remains were exhumed and reburied near the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha, where he had been ordained a priest 51 years earlier. Despite this Mount St Bernard remains a place of pilgrimage, especially for Catholics of Nigerian heritage.

In 1941, as a young priest, Fr Tansi baptised a nine-year old boy from the village of Eziowelle, Anambra. Francis Arinze grew up to follow Tansi into the priesthood, going on to become Archbishop of Onitsha and President of the Nigerian Bishops Conference. He has been a Cardinal since 1985 and was one of the principal advisors to Pope John Paul II. Cardinal Arinze never forgot the man who had baptised and then inspired him, and he recommended Tansi for beatification. At the Mass of his beatification on 22 March 1998, at Oba, Nigeria, Pope John Paul II said:

"Blessed Cyprian Michael Tansi is a prime example of the fruits of holiness which have grown and matured in the Church in Nigeria since the Gospel was first preached in this land. He received the gift of faith through the efforts of the missionaries, and, taking the Christian way of life as his own, he made it truly African and Nigerian."

Blessed Cyprian’s Feast Day is on 20 ^th January. He is the patron of Nigerian priests.

Mount St Bernard Monastery is the destination of the Diocese of Nottingham Pilgrim Way, the Way of Blessed Cyprian Tansi.

PRAYER TO BLESSED CYPRIAN TANSI

Blessed Cyprian,

during your life on earth

you showed your great faith and love

in giving yourself to your people

and by the hidden life

of prayer and contemplation.

Look upon us now in our needs,

and intercede for us with the Lord.

May he grant us the favour we ask

through our prayers. Amen.

PRAYER FOR THE CANONISATION OF BLESSED CYPRIAN TANSI

O God, who granted many graces to your servant,

Priest and Monk, Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi,

choosing him as your faithful instrument for evangelisation and sanctification of your people,

grant also that I may spend my life loving you and my neighbour and serving the Church.

Deign to glorify your servant Cyprian Michael and through his intercession to grant me the favour I now ask in faith.

[1] Entirely for God: the life of Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi , Elizabeth Isichei (Cistercian Publications, 1980)

[2] On Mortality, Ch 26

The Brentwood Pilgrim Way is ready to walk!

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 11:37:30 GMT

The Way of Our Lady of Light is a 68 mile long Pilgrim Way for the Diocese of Brentwood from the Cathedral of St Mary & St Helen in Brentwood to the Shrine of Our Lady of Light in Clacton-on-Sea. It can only be walked during the summer months because the route involves two seasonal ferries at Brightlingsea. There is also a short tidal causeway.

When the ferries are not operating (or at any time) pilgrims can walk the shorter St Peter's Way which is 38 miles long. This follows the same route as the Way of Our Lady of Light for the first 9 miles to the village of Stock. It then follows the waymarked St Peter's Way to the Chapel of St Peter at Bradwell-on-Sea where St Cedd landed in 653AD on his mission to the East Saxons. Details can be found on the St Peter's Way page of this website.

The Way of Our Lady of Light passes the recusant house of Ingatestone Hall and Catholic churches at Ingatestone, Stock, Danbury, Maldon, West Mersea, Brightlingsea and Clacton-on-Sea. The Way is through quiet countryside, river and coastal paths and is generally flat.

Devotion to Our Lady of Light started with a Jesuit, Fr Giovanni Genovesi, who was born in Sicily in 1684. He wanted a representation of the Our Lady to take with him to display as he preached. He asked the help of a devout woman who reported a vision of the Virgin bathed in a glorious light, surrounded by a host of seraphim. In the vision she told the woman that she wished to be called Mary Most Holy Mother of Light. A painter was found and after 1722 the resulting picture was carried by Fr Genovesi. The devotion spread and in 1736, Pope Clement XII authorized the veneration of Mary under this title. The original picture was destroyed when the Church of Casa Professa in Palermo was bombarded in 1943.

An Arundel circular, one-day pilgrimage

Sat, 14 Oct 2023 09:17:53 GMT

How could this be? Arundel Cathedral appeared to be rising, tall and graceful, from a lush Mediterranean garden.

The illusion was party down to the gloriously unseasonal October sunshine, but mainly to the exotic planting of the Collector Earl’s Gardens, from which we were observing this, the Cathedral Church of Our Lady and St Philip Howar d .

The gardens form a lush paradise of palms, tropical plants and water features. Fountains burble, pools mirror the sky, and a gold crown dances on a water spout. In short, we felt we had been magically transported from West Sussex to Italy.

We had hoped to walk Phil McCarthy’s new pilgrim route from A rundel Cathedral to the Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation at West Grinstead but time pressure meant a shorter pilgrim route was needed.

The alternative path we picked began at the cathedral and ended at a second key point of Catholic pilgrimage: the Fitzalan Chapel in the grounds of Arundel Castle.

Between the two were 7.8 miles of glorious countryside, taking us out through the undulating downland of Arundel Park to the River Aran, before a waterside return. Along the way we visited the peaceful 12th century Anglican church of St Mary in the hamlet of North Stoke; and a riverside pub, the Black Rabbit at Offham , for lunch.

It was a short climb from Arundel’s tea-shop and antique-y centre to the French Gothic, Bath stone cathedral, which sails high above the town. The cathedral was built, as a mere church, by Henry Fitzalan Howard, 15th Duke of Norfolk (1847-1917), the leading lay Catholic in England. It became a cathedral in 1965. Howard built it over the road from his ancestral home, Arundel Castle.

The Fitzalan Chapel, entered from the castle grounds, is actually the chancel of the original, 14th Century church of St Nicholas. The nave has housed the Anglican parish church since the Reformation. The remains of St Philip Howard, the 13th Earl of Arundel, were taken from here for reburial in the cathedral in 1971, when the dedication was changed from St Philip Neri to this martyr saint. Howard was charged, during Elizabeth I’s reign, with being a Catholic and taking part in Jesuit plots. He died in the Tower of London, and is one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. He was canonised by Pope Paul VI in 1970.

The Fitzalan Chapel survived the Reformation through a curious ploy: the then duke sold it to Henry VIII, with whom he was on good terms, despite his faith. Henry then gave the chancel back to him, leaving the nave to become the Anglican parish church. You can actually peer through an iron grille into the Fitzalan Chapel from St Nicholas, which you pass just before reaching the cathedral but, if you can get here by October 29, the final opening day this year, you can go inside, entering via Arundel Castle gardens.

The map below offers a downloadable GPX file so you can follow the route on your phone. The path begins and ends at Crown Yard car park in the centre of Arundel.

Andy Bull

Notes

Arundel Cathedral features in Elena Curti’s new book, Another Fifty Catholic Churches to See Before You Die , published on October 17 by Gracewing . [ www.gracewing.co.uk/page330.html ]

There are 20 more one- and two-day pilgrimages in Andy Bull's book Pilgrim Pathways , available from Trailblazer [ https://trailblazer-guides.com/book/pilgrim-pathways-1-2-day-walks-on-britain-s-ancient-sacred-ways ]

To download the GPX file for the route click on the ' Learn more ' button below.

Walk for the John Bradburne Memorial Society!

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 16:00:15 GMT

About the John Bradburne Memorial Society (JBMS)

The John Bradburne Memorial Society was founded as a charity in England in 1995 in order to help support Mutemwa Care Centre in Zimbabwe. It was set up in honour of its late warden, John Bradburne who spent the last 10 years of his life caring for the leprosy patients of Mutemwa. John Bradburne (1921–1979) was a pilgrim, hermit, mystic, and a theologian. During the civil war of 1979, John was kidnapped and murdered. Since his martyrdom, word of his life has spread around the world, and miracles have occurred in association with his name.

Why walk for JBMS

JBMS supports the people living at the Mutemwa Leprosy Care Centre in Zimbabwe, home to 34 patients living with mixed illnesses ranging from leprosy, AIDS, mental and physical disabilities.

How to support the people at the Centre

You can support the people living at the Centre, by donating online at www.johnbradburne.com , or by post: Cheques payable to: JBMS (see contact details below).

You can also ask people to sponsor your pilgrimage using our Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/johnbradburnememorial

Walk with us to support our work

JBMS holds an annual Pilgrimage Walk up Cross Fell in Cumbria in June. For more details see our website or contact us using the details below. All are welcome.

Prayer

You can use any of the prayer resources on the Hearts in Search of God website to pray for the people at the Centre, but especially the following:

Dear God,

Your servant, John Bradburne showed the power of Your Love by his life and death.

May his love of Christ together with his selfless service to those considered least in the world be a model for us to follow.

Amen.

Please also pray for the Beatification of John Bradburne.

Contact:

T: 07979 187498

E: info@johnbradburne.com

W: www.johnbradburne.com

Post: JBMS, PO Box 32, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 0YB

A Pilgrimage for Peace Through Justice

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 12:46:16 GMT

On Tuesday, 5th September, Faith Justice, who are members of the Passionist community, along with other faith denominations, embarked on a six-day Peace Pilgrimage from Oxford to the Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEi) arms fair in London.

The pilgrims relied on the generosity of others to feed and house them during their pilgrimage. Upon reaching the arms fair, they participated in a candlelit vigil with other peace protesters to protest against the DSEi arms fair and promote peace.

Oxford, with its rich spiritual past reaching back to the Middle Ages, was an appropriate starting point to begin the pilgrimage. From Oxford, the pilgrims were treated to a picturesque walk through the idyllic English countryside. The journey took them through serene fields, quaint villages, ancient woodlands, and alongside the river Thames. The route, which is a mix of ancient pathways and modern footpaths, offered them stunning landscapes and made for a rewarding start to the pilgrimage.

Every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. during the pilgrimage, they walked silently, on a journey of self-discovery, reflection and quiet contemplation. The act of walking, combined with the intentional nature of a pilgrimage, provided the perfect setting for personal contemplation, which concluded with them praying Mother Teresa's Peace Prayer .

As the pilgrims walked from High Wycombe. The journey took them through suburban areas before transitioning into a more rural terrain of, tree-lined country roads, footpaths, and bridleways that wind through the rolling Chiltern Hills. The walking was tiring due to the hot weather, with a mixture of inclines and uneven ground. Regular breaks were welcomed with lots of water to quench their thirst, it was here where they learned the power of perseverance, self-care and mindfulness.

After a long walk, they stopped at the Royal Standard of England pub for refreshments. The pub was established in 1213 and is now considered a historic landmark and a symbol of British heritage. Set amidst charming landscapes, the pub whispered tales of the past and provided our weary travellers with a much-needed break.

After lunch, they proceeded on their journey, which included a stop at Jordan's Quaker Meeting House, accessed by a small winding road and sitting among ancient woodland in Beaconsfield. The Meeting House was constructed in just three months during the autumn of 1688, one of the earliest Quaker Meeting House built after James II issued his Declaration of Indulgence in 1687. This declaration allowed Quakers and other non-conformist groups to worship legally for the first time. The Meeting House holds great historical significance as it is the final resting place of the Quaker William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania.

During their time at the Meeting House, they had the opportunity for physical and spiritual refreshment. They were invited to sit in meditative silence in the original meeting hall, with its oak beams and centuries-old tiled floor. The plain wooden seats they occupied were the same ones that had been used by many others before them, each with their own story to tell.

On Thursday evening, the pilgrims' journey concluded for the day at the Catholic Worker Farm, which was birthed from the Catholic Worker movement. The property spans two acres of land in idyllic countryside, with a large grassed garden to the rear, which on a hot day is soothed by the cool lapping waters of the large lake that adjoins it. The hospitality shown to our pilgrims was, attentive, generous and welcoming, with the peace and charm of the farm enshrouding.

The Catholic Worker Farm has provided shelter for vulnerable women and children since it opened in August 2006. Over 600 women have been accommodated. The women have faced difficult circumstances, including torture, rape and the loss of loved ones. More often than not, these women and their children's experiences, either directly or indirectly, are a result of war. It is here that they are offered free accommodation, food, English classes, counselling, and other vital services. The Catholic Worker Farm relies on generous donations from others to operate, more can be found on their website .

As the pilgrimage progressed on their journey, a transformation unfolded. The horizon gradually traded its wild contours for the rigid, orderly lines of urban architecture. The earth beneath them gave way to the unyielding embrace of tarmac pavements, busy with people going about their business, and the pilgrims weaving between them. The scent of damp earth and vegetation was replaced by a mix of city aromas: exhaust, fast food, and the indefinable energy of London life.

As the pilgrims passed through London, they stopped at the headquarters of several arms companies based in the city of London to offer prayers of peace.

On Monday evening, the pilgrimage concluded outside the gates of the DSEI arms fair. About 170 peacemakers of various faiths and denominations attended the vigil.

The peaceful demonstration of unity was evident as the peacemakers held candles and embraced the silence. In this setting, words were not necessary for the peacemakers to convey their intentions. Instead, their presence and collective energy spoke volumes. It was a time of reflection and connection with their God. Through this simple act of sitting in silence, there was hope.

Satish Kumar, an Indian-British activist, speaker, author, and pilgrim, completed a peace pilgrimage of over 8,000 miles. In the inaugural Peace Pilgrimage Podcast, he reminded us that with a world population of over 7 billion people, there are also 7 billion unique paths to becoming catalysts for positive change. For our pilgrims, it was walking the Peace Pilgrimage. What is it for you?

Throughout the peace pilgrimage, regular podcasts were made with prominent guest speakers who spoke on various subjects, including pilgrimage, global warming, the environment, arms trade and the inspiring story about the Catholic Worker Farm. These podcasts can be found through the following link . The Peace Pilgrimage was sponsored by the Sisters of St Joseph of Peace.

David Richardson, Peace through Justice Worker for the Sisters of St Joseph of Peace.

The Pilgrims’ Way: Winchester & Southwark to Canterbury

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 15:28:31 GMT

The Pilgrims' Way from Winchester to Canterbury existed long before the murder of St Thomas Becket in 1170. The route may have well have reached west to Cornwall and predate Christ's birth.

Immediately after the murder in 1170, and even more after 1220 when the Becket shrine in Canterbury Cathedral was completed, there was a steady stream of pilgrims over centuries until Henry VIII banned pilgrimage. Hilaire Belloc, among those who re-awakened the route in the 19th century, claimed that although the road is older than Becket 'the pilgrimage saved the road'.

At lunchtime on the first day out of Winchester you will probably have reached Ovington where pilgrims are greeted at the The Bush inn by a portrait of Geoffrey Chaucer. The poet never visited the village and there is no record of him ever being in Winchester although he did go to Southampton. The Pilgrims' Way of Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales does not start with St Swithun in Winchester but in Southwark on the south end of London Bridge. Chaucer's book is fiction but the route, also older than Becket and known to the Romans, is an authentic pilgrim route. It has probably been more used over the centuries by pilgrims than the Winchester-Canterbury way.

This route out of London is once more being recognised as part of the Santiago Camino and the Via Francigena - to walk to Santiago de Compostela and Rome most people had to start in London and today an increasing number wish to do so again even if they might be walking in stages over several years during annual holidays.

The Pilgrims’ Way routes from Winchester and Southwark in the Pilgrims’ Way guidebook are as faithful to the traditional way as possible without forcing the walker to spend days on unhealthy main roads. Hence the diversion off the old Roman road after Shooters Hill to go via Lesnes Abbey on a wooded hillside. Is this cheating? Many pilgrims would have stopped off at the abbey for bed and breakfast. Indeed we know in 1300 Edward I visited on his way to Canterbury as did the Bishop of Worcester who stayed the night in 1313. Chaucer's fictional pilgrims do not visit but Chaucer did in 1387, as he was beginning to write his work, and he was accompanied by The Tabard Inn landlord, the only real character featured in the book.

It is important to remember that the line of the Pilgrims' Way has changed over years and often shifted seasonally. The pilgrims from London have the delight of walking up the Darent Valley where historian Arthur Mee described the view from Eynsford Hill as 'a straight mile probably unique on the map of rural England, beginning with the site of a Roman house, passing a Norman castle, and ending at the site of a Saxon settlement; then if we lengthen our mile a little, heading on to a Tudor gateway in Lullingstone Park'.

At Lullingstone pilgrims may pass under that gateway to visit the 'church on the lawn' which lies in the parish where the quarrel between Becket and Henry II was first sparked over a disputed appointment. Soon there are lavender fields in countryside called the 'veil heaven' by artist Samuel Palmer who saw Psalm 65 in the 'folds full of sheep' and 'valleys...thick with corn' as he roamed in the 1820s wondering if pre-Reformation pilgrims had seen the same trees.

The valley's climax is Otford where the London and Winchester routes join. Here pilgrims pass down the side of St Bartholomew's church on a path to Kemsing where St Edith's Well is decorated with flowers on her September feast day. Kemsing's 13th-century church door has many indentations said to have been made by pilgrim staves.

Was it a miracle that in 2016 as the guidebook was being written the lost ferries on the River Medway were replaced by a new bridge built on time? This allowed the continuation to Aylesford Priory, the vineyard of lost Boxley Priory, Charing and Chilham to reach Harbledown where Henry II stepped down from his horse to walk on foot and St Dunstan's before Canterbury's West Gate where the King removed his shoes.

This year the Romero Way has linked Southwark's St George's Cathedral to Southwark Cathedral. Relics of St Oscar Romero, a 20th-century Thomas Becket, are found in both St George's Cathedral and Canterbury's Roman Catholic church alongside the cathedral where he is acknowledged in the Corona Chapel. The two Southwark cathedrals invite each other to their special occasions and the congregations have been on Holy Land and Walsingham pilgrimages together. The Romero Way now enables Canterbury-bound pilgrims to begin at the National Romero Shine and still include the start at Southwark Cathedral - which is the Southwark Priory visited by St Thomas Becket weeks before his death.

There are plans for an ecumenical confraternity to support the infrastructure of pilgrim passport and hospitality as the Pilgrims' Way comes alive again as has, within living memory, the Santiago Camino.

Leigh Hatts' guidebook to the Pilgrims' Way is published by Cicerone: https://www.cicerone.co.uk/authors/leigh-hatts

LINKS
Winchester Cathedral www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk
St George’s Cathedral, Southwar k www.stgeorgescathedral.org.uk
Southwark Cathedral cathedral.southwark.anglican.org
Aylesford Priory www.thefriars.org.uk
Canterbury Cathedral www.canterbury-cathedral.org
Romero Way www.pilgrimways.org.uk/southwark-romero-way
Pilgrims’ Way www.thepilgrimsway.co.uk

Reclaiming the Religious Heart of Britain

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 14:28:26 GMT

Reclaiming the religious heart of Britain begins on the periphery of the UK’s circulatory system of pilgrim paths, ancient churches and sacred sites.

Our Catholic book club group and my family of four from the States, have completed three pilgrimages in Britain over the last year. The UK is so fortunate to have an unrivalled network of walking trails and right-of-ways for day hikers and thru hikers. Many, many routes have been mapped by the British Pilgrimage Trust. Selected, authentically medieval, paths need only to be adapted (and maybe even co-opted) toward Roman Catholic spirituality. For example, during our 150 mile walk with packs along the Pilgrims’ Way from Winchester to Canterbury in September 2022, we saw many ‘Pilgrim’s Lanes’, ‘Pilgrim’s Farms’, ‘Pilgrim’s Hills’, ‘Pilgrim’s Inns’, but we met no pilgrims! Unfortunately every beautiful old granite, flint and limestone Anglican church that we visited was always empty. There is nothing like some good old Catholic guilt (and introspection) to bring people back into churches, and not just on Sundays!

While everyone talks about the Camino Santiago, Britain is the real undiscovered country. Why not promote the Winchester to Canterbury pilgrimage to the martyrdom site of Thomas Becket with a visit to Canterbury Cathedral before concluding at the Catholic church of St. Thomas of Canterbury at 59 Burgate Street just 2 minutes away? Notably this church, as a final destination, is where the only true relic of Becket remains in Great Britain. Applying a Catholic highlighter to the North Downs route on the pilgrimage map emboldens the journey and elevates the destination. Such efforts have already been started via the Augustine Camino . Its method connects the RC Archdiocese of Southwark, the Carmelite Aylesford Priory, Canterbury Cathedral, St Thomas Catholic Church in Canterbury and St. Augustine Shrine in Ramsgate. Brilliant! Furthermore, the pilgrimage to Walsingham has been reclaimed with the London to Walsingham Camino . We should collaborate in a similar fashion with the pre-reformation churches associated with Celtic saint-oriented pilgrimages such as the Scottish Northern Pilgrims’ Way over 130 miles from St. Duthac in Tain to St. Magnus in Orkney. The Cornish Celtic Way from St. Germans to St. Michael’s Mount in Cornwall and the North Wales Pilgrims Way from Holywell to Bardsey Island are also ripe for ecumenical collaboration. These holy places retain their place in our Catholic history and they would benefit from a re-infusion of Catholicism.

We recently walked along Rev. Nigel Marns’ (of St. Paul’s CofE in Ludgvan) Cornish Celtic Way for 3 weeks in August 2023. It was very spiritually rewarding to look at this route through a Roman Catholic lens. The numerous Celtic saint’s holy wells, for example, are our heritage. We visited St. Cuby’s, St. Keyne’s, St. Gundred’s, St. Peter’s, St. Constantine's, St. Piran’s wells and many more. We made a point of praying at every Celtic Cross along the way. We detoured off the typical route for Sunday Mass in St. Austell. We freelanced an alternate route on one day to visit the ruins of St. Michael’s Chapel in Roche. Most importantly, we adapted the pilgrimage in a Catholic fashion by the rubric of:

1. A Celtic prayer from the Carmina Gadelica (I Am Bending My Knee or St. Brigit's Charm of Protection) at each holy well. This typically incorporated a baptismal renewal theme with a splash of spring water on our faces. Our bodily refreshment was usually completed with a cool, sweet drink through a LifeStraw filter!

2. The 12th Station of the Cross was read at each Celtic cross that we encountered. This was followed by a kiss of the stone cross. These actions reminded us of the Veneration of the Cross service on Good Friday;

3. We prayed the Litany of Divine Mercy at the altar of every Anglican Church along our pilgrimage route. We then finished with the prayer to St. Michael and a supplication to the patron saint of that specific parish church.

4. The midpoint of our walk was celebrated with the full Litany of the Saints on the precipice of St. Michael’s Chapel in Roche, Cornwall. This was a particularly unifying spiritual pinnacle for our family. During our walk, we were very much focused on pilgrimage as physical therapy for our souls.

5. During our walks in the UK, we gave pilgrimage specific single decade rosary chaplets to those people with whom we deeply connected on a personal and spiritual level. On the Pilgrims' Way from Winchester to Canterbury, we had a fairly penitential theme and our chaplets incorporated the Irish Penal Cross. They were very well received as we described them as 'Prayer Beads'. Even the Abbot of the Hospital of St. Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty in Winchester enjoyed the gift and promised to use it for the 'Jesus Prayer'. On the Cornish Celtic Way we designed 'St Michael Chaplets'. They also went over well. I even used mine as

extensions of the shoulder tensioners on my backpack. Clearly, we could easily be identified as Catholic pilgrims by our chaplets and badges. With so many attached trinkets, I feared that some Lollard would complain about our 'jingling bells' but our aim is ecumenism without antagonism. Our chaplets (30 for each pilgrimage!) were made by Rugged Rosaries from Houston, Texas.

While hiking, we were very much focused on pilgrimage as physical therapy for our souls. We also tried to adhere to St. Paul’s recommendation in Thessalonians: ‘Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.’ Our pilgrimage concluded in Marazion with a crossing at low tide to St. Michael’s Mount. St. Michael the Archangel was truly our patron and our intercessor throughout our time in Southwest England. We prayed that he would guide us and help us to fuse the physical reality of these sites with the spiritual impact of every 'thin place'.

While pilgrims love the holy places, they cling to their pilgrim passports and covet church stamps as evidence of their journey. So then, the Roman Catholic churches which reside along these pilgrimage routes need to up their game. We should encourage Catholic Church Champing . The C of E is way ahead of us in this offering, but still in its infancy. Overnights in Catholic Churches would bring pilgrims closer to the people of the towns they visit. It would also build on our already ancient Benedictine tradition of hospitality. Notably, this engagement could also serve as a reminder of how much Britain lost with the dissolution of the monasteries. The typical contribution recommended by the Cornish Celtic Way was £10 per person per night. All of the Anglican Churches or their activity centres had a washroom/toilet, some had kitchenettes and the glorious few had showers on site. The British Pilgrimage Trust's Sanctuary Network provides another model.

To aid in this endeavour, a volunteer effort to produce church stamps for Roman Catholic churches along pilgrimage routes would be lovely. I could imagine a church specific stamp which emphasises the magisterium of Rome and the location in Great Britain. For example, a ‘Sacred Heart’ Church might have a stamp such as:

So then, it can be done and it is immensely rewarding to go on Catholic Pilgrimage in England. Many of the congregations are ‘High Anglo Catholic’. We truly share most things outside of King Henry VIII (and the 40 English Martyrs!). They are our brothers and sisters in Christ, and their churches are our patrimony as well. With a little imagination and ecumenical collaboration, we really can reinvigorate the spirit of the ‘Isle of Angels’.

Frans A Vossenberg hails from Fredericksburg, Virginia, USA. For more information about his pilgrimages in Britain visit: https://www.fredericksburgpilgrims.com/about

Walk for the SVP!

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 15:53:42 GMT

About the SVP

United, we seek and find those in need, providing practical support and fellowship in a spirit of justice, while tackling the causes of poverty.

Why walk for the SVP

We would love you to be a part of the SVP community, helping us to make a real difference to the lives of thousands of people. Get involved and be at the heart of making a positive change in the lives of others, helping us tackle the causes of poverty.

How to support those we serve

We couldn’t help people to find their way out of poverty and isolation without our supporters. There are many ways you can raise funds for the SVP and we’re here to help you every step of the way, whatever you decide to do. The easiest method is to set up a JustGiving page and choosing St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP England and Wales) as the charity you want to support.

For more information, please follow the link to our JustGiving profile: https://www.justgiving.com/svp .

Our Membership Fundraising Support Officer can help you set up and promote the page. They can be contacted at fundraising@svp.org.uk or 01274 513045.

How to organise a group pilgrimage to support our work

A group pilgrimage can be a wonderful experience, but it requires careful planning to make sure everyone enjoys the pilgrimage and is safe. Start by having a look at the group pilgrimage resources on the Hearts in Search of God website .

If your group may include children or potentially vulnerable adults, please contact our safeguarding officer for advice. They can be contacted at catherinek@svp.org.uk or 07796140897.

Prayer

You can use any of the prayer resources on the Hearts in Search of God website to pray for the people we work with and for our staff. You can also use our own Society prayer:

“We pray for our Society, that we may grow in your love and follow your way. May many people join us, so that we can help even more people, each day. Help us to face up to new works and new challenges. Remind us that you are guiding us, and that we are all poor in some way. Encourage us to love and serve everyone so that we may be a visible sign of your love to our world.”

Contact

Our Membership Fundraising Support Officer can be contacted at fundraising@svp.org.uk or 01274 513045.

The Cardiff Pilgrim Way is Ready to Walk!

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 08:07:59 GMT

The Way of Our Lady of the Valleys

The Way of Our Lady of the Valleys is a Pilgrim Way from the Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral of St David in Cardiff to the Shrines to Our Lady at Penrhys and Abercynon via Llandaff Anglican Cathedral.

The Shrine to Our Lady at Penrhys was important in medieval times and a popular pilgrimage site. It was destroyed at the Reformation but reinstated in 1953. In contrast the Shrine at Abercynon was built by unemployed Irish and Italian coal miners in 1926 in thanks for the survival of a boy who had fallen in the river below.

Between Llandaff Cathedral and Penrhys the Way follows the well-established and waymarked Penrhys Pilgrimage Way (more details click here ). The Hearts in Search of God Project is grateful for the encouragement and collaboration of the Penrhys Pilgrimage Way team.

From Penrhys the Way descends to the Rhondda Valley and crosses the hills through the St Gwynno Forest. The Way ends at the Shrine to Our Lady in Abercynon, known as the 'Welsh Lourdes', and the adjacent open-air Stations of the Cross at the Church of St Thomas, near the confluence of the Taff and Cynon river valleys.

This 30 mile long Pilgrim Way can be walked in short sections and traverses a landscape of great beauty and historical interest.

Background to the inner and outer journeys and full walking instructions can be found on the Archdiocese of Cardiff page of this website.

Pilgrims of Hope: Walking Towards the 2025 Jubilee

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 10:57:32 GMT

Thou shalt sanctify the fiftieth year, and shalt proclaim remission

to all the inhabitants of thy land: for it is the year of jubilee."

Leviticus 25:10

Pope Francis has declared that 2025 will be a Jubilee, a Holy Year, and the theme he has chosen is ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. The Jubilee logo shows figures coming from the four corners of the earth. They embrace each other showing the solidarity and fraternity which should unite us all. The leading figure holds a cross as a sign of Christian faith. The cross becomes an anchor, a symbol of hope, providing stability in the stormy waters we all experience on our pilgrimages through life.

The idea of a Holy Year has ancient roots. In the Genesis creation story God rested on the seventh day, which became the Sabbath. In the Jewish tradition the seventh year became a time of renewal, called a ‘sabbatical’. Following this pattern either the 49 ^th year (7 x 7) or the following 50 ^th year became a ‘jubilee’, a time of joy, remission of debts and pardon of offences. Similar thinking underpins the Christian jubilee.

The late 13 ^th Century was a time of war and plague, and thousands of pilgrims came to Rome at Christmas in 1299. In response to the needs of the faithful, on 22 ^nd February 1300, Pope Boniface VIII declared a pardon all sins for those who were truly penitent, confessed their sins, and visited the basilicas of St Peter and St Paul in Rome. Pilgrims were required to visit the basilicas daily for fifteen days and Roman residents for thirty days. Presumably this took account of the difficulties and dangers of medieval pilgrimage rather than the relative wickedness of the locals!

Pope Boniface intended that jubilees should be every 100 years, but Pope Clement VI held one in 1350. In 1470 Pope Paul II decreed that they should be held every 25 years, and this has been the general rule ever since. He also permitted people to visit a designated church in their own country. For the Great Jubilee of 2000 there was a three-year preparatory period and great efforts were made to involve Christians of other traditions.

The most important part of the Jubilee ceremonial is the opening of the Holy Door in each of the four great Roman basilicas of St Peter’s, St John Lateran, St Mary Major and St Paul Outside the Walls. The Doors are opened at the beginning of the Jubilee and sealed up again afterwards. Traditionally the pope himself opens and closes the Holy Doors of St Peter's. Walking through a Holy Door is a powerful symbol of personal transformation: pilgrims can lay down their baggage of brokenness and sin outside the Holy Door, walk over the threshold into the church, and rededicate themselves to a new life of mercy, freedom and hope as part of the Body of Christ.

It is anticipated that over 30 million people will travel to Rome during the Holy Year. Pope Francis wrote in his letter declaring the Jubilee:

“In the realization that all of us are pilgrims on this earth, which the Lord has charged us to till and keep (cf. Gen 2:15), may we never fail, in the course of our sojourn, to contemplate the beauty of creation and care for our common home.”

We live in a time of global warming, so a walking pilgrimage in England & Wales is a greener option than flying to Rome. We can contemplate the beauty of creation in our own countries and care for our common home by using public transport to the start and finish of our journeys. There is much to discover and rejoice in throughout our beautiful and ancient lands. During previous Jubilees there have been Holy Doors in churches and cathedrals around the world where pilgrims can receive the same graces as in Rome, and hopefully this will be the case for 2025.

I hope the Hearts in Search of God Project will be an inspiration and a practical help in your preparation for the Holy Year and your celebration of it. By late 2024 there will be walking guidance together with practical and spiritual resources for Pilgrim Ways in every diocese of England & Wales. Please register for updates .

Phil McCarthy, Project Lead

The Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven,

may the faith you have gifted us in

your son Jesus Christ, our brother,

and the flame of charity

kindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,

reawaken in us, the blessed hope

for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us

into diligent cultivators of the evangelical seeds

that make humanity and the cosmos rise

unto the confident expectation

of the new heavens and the new earth,

when with the powers of Evil overcome,

your glory shall be manifested eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee

reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,

the yearning for heavenly treasures

and pour over all the earth

the joy and peace

of our Redeemer.

To you God blessed in eternity,

be praise and glory for ever and ever.

Amen.

Franciscus

The Annual St Wilfrid's Way Camino

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 12:23:13 GMT

The 8th Annual Diocese of Leeds Camino from Leeds to Ripon will be held on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th October along the St Wilfrid's Way.

The St Wilfrid’s Way was established in 2016 by Stephen Habron and has been walked by a Diocesan group every year since on the weekend closest to the feast of St Wilfrid. The Way follows old paths, public bridleways and footpaths, transformed railway lines, riverside walks, and green spaces in urban areas. It is relatively flat. The route includes historic Catholic churches, the recusant house of Markenfield Hall and the Shrine of Our Lady of the Crag in Knaresborough. For details of the Way see here .

St Wilfrid

St Wilfrid became Bishop of Ripon in 658 and the Cathedral was founded in 672. As a young man he travelled to Rome and became an important advocate for the Roman tradition at the Synod of Whitby. He founded monasteries, built churches and improved the liturgy. The Ripon Cathedral Crypt is the only part of St. Wilfrid’s original Saxon church to have survived intact. This makes it one of England’s oldest Church buildings still in use. St Wilfrid was enshrined in Ripon in 710.

Programme

DAY 1 – Leeds Cathedral (via Roundhay Park, East Keswick and Spofforth) to Knaresborough

08.00 hrs Pilgrims’ Mass at Leeds Cathedral Bus to Roundhay Park
17.00 hrs arrive at Knaresborough for Rosary outside Our Lady of The Crag

NB Walkers who require overnight accommodation should book it themselves in advance.

DAY 2 – Knaresborough (via Bilton, Ripley and Bishop Thornton) to Ripon

08.30 hrs depart World’s End pub, Knaresborough
12.00 hrs Angelus and Rosary at St Joseph’s, Bishop Thornton
17.30 hrs Vigil Mass at St Wilfrid’s, Ripon

This is a risk assessed walk, so we are required to ask you to BOOK IN ADVANCE so we know which parts of the Pilgrimage you intend to walk.

For further details and to book your place on the Pilgrimage contact the Diocese of Leeds Director of Communications Rowan Morton-Gledhill by email: communications@dioceseofleeds.org.uk

Walking the Way of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 10:01:27 GMT

As we made our way slowly past the spread of commercial units on the outskirts of the town of Olney the familiar refrain of the hymn Amazing Grace began to take shape in our heads. We had chosen the hymn at our wedding many years ago in the industrial heartlands of South Yorkshire never thinking that at some time in the future we would be visiting Olney, the place where it was written two hundred and fifty years ago. Yet here we were, on pilgrimage sitting in the vibrant square, beneath the town sign with its depiction of the lace making heritage of the town and the church of Amazing Grace , about to enjoy a generous portion of fish and chips.

Pilgrimage is no longer fashionable in the UK although there is a rich heritage. We were currently making our way from the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate and St. Thomas of Canterbury, Northampton to the shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Parish of the Holy Child and St. Joseph Bedford. The day had started early with a lift to the edge of Northampton and a bus ride into the town, then a short walk to the cathedral. At the Cathedral the priest was leading the daily office before mass. While exploring the church after mass the priest enquired about our interest and became very enthusiastic on hearing of our intended pilgrimage. He took time to explain the meaning of the triptych behind the altar. The theme of flowing water was resonant as we would be following the river Nene for some time and then finish by following the river Great Ouse into Bedford. A brief visit to the welcoming Café 1850 in the Cathedral grounds for restorative drinks gave fresh impetus to our endeavour. The route took us through busy streets past the Anglican church of the Holy Sepulchre. Unfortunately the gate was locked so we could only peer through the gate. The next stop was Beckett’s well. It is reputed that the fugitive Thomas Beckett stopped here for refreshment although we can’t be certain. Behind the bars of the stone shelter are depictions of the saint’s story.

The route then takes us alongside the river Nene. The canoeists at the Nene white water centre were clearly enjoying the fine weather. Earth embankments in the Northampton washlands evidence the possibility of flooding and the need for flood mitigation. The flood storage reservoir was noisy with a good number of waterfowl. After the locks the route leaves the river and wends through suburban Little Billing to the shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour at Great Billing. Not sure if we would be able to access the shrine it was a relief to see a few of the parishioners gathered for the Rosary. They were very welcoming to two pilgrims.

Unfortunately time was pressing so we regretfully declined their invitation to join them. Crossing the river again we made our way uphill to the village of Cogenhoe. The Cogenhoe and Whiston Heritage Society have been very active in recognising and celebrating local residents with a number of blue plaques in evidence. Over a style we ascended the Jerusalem Steps and made our way around fields of ripening cereal crops. It was after one such field that we came upon Emmaus village, this village is a charitable organisation offering active support to those who have experienced homelessness.

The way then passes across the main approach to Castle Ashby House. The view back along the road to Castle Ashby house was spectacular. In St. Andrew’s church Yardley Hastings we were pleased to discover a stained glass window showing St. James as a pilgrim complete with scallop shells. Soon after that we encountered a sociable group who turned out to be model aircraft enthusiasts, using a flat piece of grassland to pursue their hobby. In Olney, supper finished, our lift back home arrived.

The following morning we returned to Olney and made our way to the church of Our Lady Help of Christians and St Lawrence for Mass. At the end of a prayerful service the Priest gave a pilgrim blessing. Several parishioners asked about our walk including a Sister who told how as novices at Turvey they were made to walk to Olney for mass but not back. How wise of the Mother Superior to support the physical as well as spiritual needs of the nuns.

In Olney the route took us to the church of St. Peter and Paul. It was here that the hymn Amazing Grace was first heard on 1 ^st January 1773, although we can’t be certain that it was to the now familiar tune. The path then lead over fields and across the river Great Ouse to Turvey Abbey. We meandered through open fields and villages heading towards Stevington windmill. Going through the village a car pulled alongside and the lady driving asked how we were getting on. She had been in the congregation in Olney and was concerned as to whether we might make the last bus back from Bedford to Olney. Reassurance was given that we were on time to make the bus, although it would be a bit close. Continuing across fields we could see in the distance a figure introspectively gazing at the ground. Then moving a little and repeating the process. As we got closer we could see that there was definitely some reason for his actions. He explained that he was trying to photograph butterflies. His particular target was the Hedge Brown, Gatekeeper butterfly. We wished him every success and continued on our way.

At the church of St. James, Biddenham we replenished our water bottles from the outside tap. On the outskirts of Bedford, cycle ways led through newly built housing and beside the river Great Ouse towards Bedford town centre. We finally left the river to walk through the busy streets. Not without having a moment to look at the Sikh temple which dominates the local view. The sat nav guided us unerringly to the church which houses the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Having placed our petitions at the shrine we made the short trip to the bus station and our return to Olney.

Attendance at Mass, visiting the shrines, the beauty of our countryside, the steady rhythm of walking allowed time for reflection, time to be at peace in God’s company, which is so often missing from our busy lives. Through their buildings and legacy of hymns past generations can tell us what Faith meant to them. John Newton underwent a pilgrimage of his own as he slowly moved from being an active participant in the slave trade to being an abolitionist.

Walk for St Joseph's Hospice!

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 09:07:35 GMT

About St Joseph’s Hospice

We provide, high quality, specialist palliative care and support to people in our local community who have a life-limiting illness. We take a holistic approach to our care, which means that we look after the wellbeing of the whole person, as well as their loved ones. We provide palliative care in the Hospice and in the community as we believe that people should choose where they receive their care.

Why walk for: St Joseph’s Hospice?

A little over half of our income comes from the NHS, which means we need to raise almost £7million a year just to meet our running costs.

• Your support will allow us to continue caring for people who have been told they have a life-limiting illness.

• Your generosity will fund services that will help patients and family members deal with the emotions that a life-limiting illness can bring.

• Your commitment will help our patients live their life to the full.

How to support the people we serve

As a St Joseph’s walker we will kit you out with a charity T-shirt to wear during your pilgrimage as well as a full fundraising pack with sponsorship forms, poster and lots of tips and ideas on how to get cracking with your fundraising in order to hit your target.

A quick and easy way to get started with your fundraising is by setting up a JustGiving page then sending the link to friends and family to let them know about your challenge. https://www.justgiving.com/stjoehospice

Contact

For more information please contact our Events and Fundraising Officer, Becky Clark on fundraising@stjh.org.uk or call 020 8525 3200

Thank you for your interest and support!

The Birmingham Pilgrim Way is ready to walk!

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 12:47:25 GMT

The St Chad's Way is a Pilgrim Way for the Archdiocese of Birmingham from the Metropolitan Cathedral of St Chad in central Birmingham to the new Shrine of St Chad in Lichfield Cathedral. The Way was suggested by Deacon Owen Gresty and has been researched and walked by Hearts in Search of God Project Lead Phil McCarthy.

St Chad of Mercia was a Seventh Century Anglo-Saxon monk who became abbot of several monasteries, then Bishop of the Northumbrians and later of the Mercians. His work and life were recorded by the Venerable Bede. He is credited, with his brother St Cedd, with introducing Christianity to the Mercian Kingdom. He died on 2 ^nd March 672, and he is also remembered on 26 ^th October with his brother, St Cedd.

After leaving St Chad's Cathedral the Way follows the Grand Union Canal Walk, the towpath of the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal and briefly the Tame Valley Canal. The Way passes the Church of St Margaret Mary at Perry Common, then Oscott College and the Church of St Nicholas in Boldmere. It then crosses Sutton Park Nature Reserve to reach Sutton Coldfield and the Church of the Holy Trinity. The Way leads north through quiet countryside to join the Heart of England Way and reach St Chad's Well and the Shrine of St Chad in Lichfield's Anglican Cathedral. At St Chad's Well the Way connects with the 92 mile long Two Saints Way which celebrates the memory of St Werburgh & St Chad, and takes pilgrims on to Chester.

The Shrine of St Chad in Lichfield Cathedral was a place of pilgrimage and prayer for centuries, but in 1538 it was destroyed on the orders of Henry VIII. A box of the saint’s bones was saved, and this passed through a series of Catholic owners. Since 1840 they have been enshrined above the high altar of St Chad's Cathedral in Birmingham. 484 years after the destruction of the original shrine a new Shrine of St Chad was installed at Lichfield Anglican Cathedral, housing a relic of the saint moved from St Chad's Cathedral, Birmingham. It was consecrated in an ecumenical service in November 2022. At the service Archbishop Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham, said:

“Perhaps St Chad’s own preference for traveling on foot teaches us something else today. Walking is the way of the pilgrim, and it gave St Chad time to consider and to reflect on what he saw as he met people along the way…. Perhaps St Chad recalled St Luke’s account of the road to Emmaus as the risen Jesus walked unrecognised with the two disciples before they saw him in the breaking of bread. Such journeys allow the time for deeper conversations, listening to one another and growing in friendship through accompaniment.”

Highlights of the Way include AWN Pugin's Cathedral of St Chad, the serene St Chad's Well in Lichfield, and the magnificent Lichfield Cathedral with its the stunning new Shrine of St Chad.

Full details of the Way, including the inner and outer ways notes and walking guidance can be found on the Archdiocese of Birmingham's page on this website: just click on the button below.

Climate Pilgrimages across the UK

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 09:31:16 GMT

Christian Climate Action (CCA) are are inviting people to join a whole host of climate pilgrimages taking place on the same weekend, walking together in a collective push to protect our one and only world.

Date: 9th or 10th September 2023

Location: Your local area across the UK

At this moment, people all over the UK are busy planning climate pilgrimages in their local area. If you would like to organise a pilgrimage near you, let us know about it by contacting ccalocalgroups@gmail.com

CCA can help by:

Assisting and giving help on a risk assessment from more experienced walkers planners if required
Running a how-to-do local media session on zoom – watch out for the date
Holding a central list of pilgrimages so we can direct people to you

CCA have put together a helpful document, full of details such as how to plan the walk, a potential timeline and different things to consider. You can find this document on their website .

What makes a Creative Pilgrimage?

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 15:43:39 GMT

What makes a Creative Pilgrimage? Alexandra le Rossignol and I found this question answered when we travelled with a group of artists on our first Kent pilgrimage route – The Augustine Camino. The experience was so profound that we found ourselves creating a pilgrimage route from Dover to Canterbury for an exhibition as part of Kent Pilgrims Festival 2022.

We had expected to follow the Via Francigena in reverse from Dover to Canterbury. Then Alex asked me if we could add in a detour via the church at Barfrestone and I suggested we dip down into the valley between Kingston and Bishopsbourne because there was a good tearoom there. The route began to change and adapt organically as I had it following the River Dour through Dover after we had taken in the ruins of St Martin le Grand, St Edmunds chapel and the Maison Dieu. This is only a snapshot of what the route through Dover has to offer.

As a group of artists drawn to pilgrimage, research has been key to the creation of our artworks and was a very important part in it’s development. At every turn little gems were dropping into our laps in the form of history, architecture, landscape, nature or stories of medieval pilgrimage. Walking with fellow artists has benefited each of us as we have had the opportunity to see the route through each others’ eyes.

Having some of us with limited physical abilities it was important to break the route down into shorter sections. For us The Way of Saint Martin is a slow pilgrimage. It is about the journey, stopping, looking, exploring and experiencing the route and all that it has to offer. The variety of architecture in each church along the route is a reflection of it’s community over time. Our experience encompassed: sitting watching the trout in the River Dour or watching the swans glide effortless along; stooping to look at wildflowers on Barham Downs or looking out across the valley as we headed into Kingston; taking in the fresh air of the valley between Kingston and Bishopsbourne and looking up at a bird of prey; marvelling at the ancient yew trees in churchyards along the route and reflecting on all that has passed in their lifetime; sharing of knowledge and experiences.

The starting point for the pilgrimage is on the beach at Dover where medieval pilgrims would land and search for a hag stone to bring to St Edmund’s chapel as an offering and from there they would make their way to the Shrine of St Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral. The route would not have been a defined one and many also visited Barfrestone church and other shrines along the route. A relic of St Thomas is now housed in St Thomas’s RC church in Canterbury just before the pilgrimage ends at the Cathedral.

The natural landscape along the route encompasses the wildflower meadows where the pilgrim can rest and seek out rare orchids or look to the skies for the skylark or the newly released chough – a bird with a strong connection to St Thomas Becket. Churches along the route provide sanctuary from the rain as well as a chance to discover medieval wall paintings, mass dials, carvings or fascinating gravestones. The River Dour and the Nailbourne provide a contrast in that the first is one of 200 chalk streams in the world and the second is an intermittent stream that runs every few years.

The area has rich links with historical and creative figures: Saint Augustine, Bishop Odo of Bayeux, Saint Martin of Tours, King Ethelbert and Queen Bertha, Saint Thomas Becket, Joseph Conrad, Mary Tourtel, Jocelyn Brooke, Henry Moore, Charles Dickens, Shakespeare, Geoffrey Chaucer, Aphra Behn and Ian Fleming to name but a few.

In the guidebook the route has been split into 6 short walks with public transport links at either end of each section. There is information on the historical aspects of the route and the pilgrim is encouraged to seek out for architectural features, plants and wildlife. The website also includes a free GPX file of the route.

Liz Garnett

Links:

The Way of Saint Martin

The Creative Pilgrims

The Augustine Camino

Hearts in Search of God Summer Newsletter

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 06:31:11 GMT

9th August 2023

Dear friend

Welcome to the Summer newsletter from the Hearts in Search of God Project.

Today we remember Edith Stein, who became St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. She was a Jewish philosopher whose journey through life led her through conversion to Christianity to becoming a Carmelite Sister and finally to Auschwitz where she was killed in the gas chamber 81 years ago today. She wrote a wonderful prayer, which may be of encouragement to pilgrims:

O my God, fill my soul with holy joy, courage, and strength to serve You.

Enkindle Your love in me and then walk with me along the

next stretch of road before me.

I do not see very far ahead, but when I have arrived where the

horizon now closes down, a new prospect will open before me,

and I shall meet it with peace.

The aim of the Hearts in Search of God Project is to promote walking pilgrimage in England & Wales by developing Pilgrim Ways between the twenty-two Catholic cathedrals and one or more shrines in the same diocese. Here are some of the latest developments.

Pilgrim Ways

There are now GPX files available for routes in all the dioceses of England & Wales and full walking directions in the dioceses of Arundel & Brighton, Clifton, Hallam, Lancaster, Leeds, Middlesbrough, Northampton and Southwark.

The latest Way is for the Archdiocese of Westminster and the Ukrainian Eparchy of Great Britain . The route is from Westminster Cathedral to the Ukrainian Cathedral of the Holy Family in Exile and the shrines of the Blessed Sacrament, the Tyburn Martyrs, Our Lady of the Rosary and the National Shrine of Our Lady of Willesden. The walk is 14.5 miles long and takes about 6 hours. The route is full of interest and history. Details can be found here .

I have also walked the Ways in the Dioceses of Brentwood, Birmingham and Cardiff and full walking directions will be published soon.

Resources

On the Resources pages you will find practical help with preparing to walk and organising a group pilgrimage as well as downloadable pilgrim passports and certificates of completion.

Going Deeper

Professor Gavin D'Costa has generously contributed an article to the Project’s ‘Going Deeper’ series examining the metaphor of the 'pilgrim people of God' and explaining its relevance to the Church today. His article starts with the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus and takes us right through to the current synodal process, perhaps the biggest consultation exercise in the history of humanity. His article can be found here .

News, Events & Stories

The 2025 Jubilee: 'Pilgrims of Hope'

2025 will be a Holy Year, a special year of grace beginning just before Christmas 2024 and ending on the Feast of the Epiphany in January 2026. The Pope will inaugurate the Year by opening the Holy Door in St Peter's Basilica after which the Holy Doors in the other great Roman basilicas will be opened. It is estimated that over 30 million people will travel to Rome during the year. There will be Holy Doors in cathedrals in England & Wales as well, so perhaps you could make a greener choice and undertake a walking pilgrimage to one to mark the Holy Year?

Walking pilgrimage to Glastonbury

Eleven pilgrims set off for a three-day ecumenical walking pilgrimage from Clifton Cathedral to join the Clifton Diocesan Pilgrimage at Glastonbury over the 7th to 9th July 2023. They feasted on fish and chips in a 15th Century courtyard, crossed the Mendips in torrential rain, climbed to the site of a martyrdom and arrived just in time for Mass with Bishop Declan in the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey! Read the story here .

The News, Events & Stories page is where you can also find blogs on the Augustine Camino from Rochester to Ramsgate in Kent by Andrew Kelly, and where Krishna Sen describes setting out for Rome from Canterbury as an agnostic, brought up in an Indian-Bengali Hindu cultural context.

Feedback on the Ways
I would be grateful for any feedback you have about the proposed Ways, and to hear of your experience of walking them.

If you have a story or a resource to share please contact me through the website.

Please share this newsletter with people who may be interested. I hope you enjoy the website, designed by the wonderful team at Everyday Christian Marketing.

Wishing you every blessing. I hope you enjoy the rest of the summer.

Phil McCarthy, Project Lead

Walking pilgrimages in England and Wales podcast

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 08:45:03 GMT

After a long (and rather wet) day walking the Way of Our Lady of the Valleys Pilgrim Way in the Archdiocese of Cardiff I was pleased to record this podcast with James Abbot of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England & Wales for Catholic News.

We discuss the Hearts in Search of God project and the re-establishment of walking pilgrimage in our nations.

Phil McCarthy

The Inaugural Walking Pilgrimage to Glastonbury

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 16:20:51 GMT

“Through baptism we embark on a road that is sometimes smooth, sometimes rough,

but we do not journey alone.”

Fr Kevin Knox-Lecky, former Parish Priest of St Mary’s, Glastonbury

Every year since the early 1950’s the Clifton Diocesan Glastonbury Pilgrimage has been held with Mass and a rosary procession. Today most people travel by car, but until the 1960s groups from each deanery walked carrying wooden crosses. In 2023 this tradition of walking pilgrimage was renewed.

Glastonbury Abbey was founded in the 8th century on the site of an older church to Our Lady. By the 14th Century it had become an important Marian pilgrimage site. It was suppressed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and in 1539 the last abbot, Richard Whiting, was executed on Glastonbury Tor with two other monks. The first modern pilgrimage to Glastonbury was in 1895 to celebrate the beatification of Abbot Whiting. In 1955 the Shrine of Our Lady of Glastonbury was restored.

In 2022 I trialled a route from Clifton Cathedral to Glastonbury to be called the Whiting Way in honour of the martyred Abbot. Cathedral Dean, Canon Bosco MacDonald, suggested an inaugural group walking pilgrimage to join the annual Diocesan event as part of the Cathedral’s 50 ^th Anniversary celebrations. We would walk 37 miles over three days.

On the morning of Friday 7 ^th July eleven pilgrims gathered at the Cathedral for Mass and a blessing before setting off in glorious sunshine. We were six men and five women: some of us knew each other, but most were meeting for the first time. We shared our stories as we walked; some had tramped to Santiago or Rome, but for others this was new. After climbing to Dundry we sauntered down to Chew Magna for Evening Prayer in St Andrew’s Anglican Church and fish & chips in the courtyard of the 15 ^th Century Old School House. Four of us slept on the hall floor whilst the rest found more comfortable accommodation!

We re-assembled for Mass on Saturday morning at Sacred Heart Church in Chew Magna, where the parishioners hospitably provided tea and cakes. After a march across farmland to Compton Martin the pub landlord gloomily predicted a monsoon for our traverse of the Mendip Hills. We arrived at our B&B in Wells Cathedral School drenched, tired and too late for Evensong, but a shower and an Italian meal restored our spirits.

Sunday dawned bright and breezy. We were welcomed to the Church of SS Joseph & Teresa, Wells, for Morning Prayer followed by tea, cake and pastries generously provided by parishioners. For most of the morning we had Glastonbury Tor in the distance and at last we faced the stiff climb to the site of Abbot Whiting’s martyrdom. We ate our picnic with stunning views in every direction and finally descended to Glastonbury and the Shrine Church.

We joined Mass in the Abbey ruins, sitting amongst several hundred others from across the Diocese: people of many cultures and nations but united as the Pilgrim People of God. Bishop Declan’s white vestments billowed in the wind as he spoke movingly about human vulnerability. His homily received spontaneous applause.

After Mass we went our own ways but we had shared the gift of fellowship between us and had received generous hospitality from others. It had been a hopeful journey.

Phil McCarthy

More pictures of the pilgrimage

Dominican Walking Pilgrimage to Blackfriars: 15th July 2023

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 13:52:12 GMT

The Dominicans will be leading a special pilgrimage walk to Blackfriars on Saturday, 15 July, as part of their celebrations marking the 800th anniversary of the order in London.

They will begin with 10am Mass in St Dominic's Priory, Southampton Road, followed by a walk to Blackfriars in central London. There will be lunch and drink break in Blackfriars pub, followed by prayer around the vicinity of Apothecaries' Hall (site of the second Dominican priory in London). They will then go to St Bartholomew the Great (Smithfield) for a tour, a short talk by the Provincial Archivist, Fr Richard Finn OP, followed by Sung Vespers at 4pm in St Bartholomew the Great, which was the third Dominican priory in London.

If you can't come on the whole walk - join the pilgrimage on the way.

Timetable

10am - Mass and Rosary in St Dominic's Priory;

11am - Walk from St Dominic's to The Black Friar Pub via Holborn (four miles, approx 1.5 - 2 hours);

1pm - Lunch and drinks at The Black Friar Pub - we have reserved half the pub and have a special discount arranged for all walkers;

2.30pm - Prayers for the deceased friars and benefactors of the medieval Blackfriars at Church Entry;

3pm - Tour of St Bartholomew the Great, the oldest surviving church in London, and the site of the third Dominican house in London, followed by free time;

4pm - Vespers with a sermon by Fr Richard Finn OP, Provincial Archivist;

5pm - Low Mass in the Dominican Rite in the Lady Chapel of St Bartholomew the Great.

Please do share this news, and invite a friend!

LINK

St Dominic's Priory and Rosary Shrine: https://rosaryshrine.co.uk/

The Augustine Camino – Modern traditional pilgrimage

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 13:02:42 GMT

Now that pilgrimage is once more popular and well established there comes the question “how do I make the best of it? If, like most modern people, you have only a week to spare, where do you start?

Eight years ago, as I began to plan the route for a Camino to the Shrine of St Augustine in Ramsgate, I was faced with a similar problem. The obvious thing to do would be to go 70 miles distant and walk the Pilgrim’s Way through Canterbury, then down the River Stour to Thanet. However, as a perfectionist, it soon became clear that the established routes miss much of pilgrim interest. Since medieval times cars and suburbs have made Watling Street and other old roads deeply unpleasant to walk along. Meanwhile the Reformation and the subsequent return of monasteries and traditional liturgies have created new sacred places which deserve to be visited. So, a new route was born, taking its cue from the Mission of St Augustine to convert the English to Christianity in 597 and determined not to miss anything of Christian value along the way. The Augustine Camino is thus a saunter through the best of what the old English Kingdom of Kent has to offer.

Pilgrimage is fun and also deeply serious. It is an opportunity to listen, learn and grow. Because it is impossible to predict what form this growth will take it makes sense to include as broad a variety of experience as possible. At the most basic level there is walking and talking. I am always surprised how quickly people open-up on a Camino. No subject is off limits (unless you want it to be). There is a great letting go of worldly cares. Then there are the set piece liturgies, such as Evensong at Canterbury Cathedral, Compline at Minster Abbey or Mass at St Augustine’s. A more specifically pilgrim activity is the veneration of relics. There are relics of St Simon Stock, St Jude, St Thomas More, St Thomas Becket, St Mildred, St Augustine and St Gregory en-route. The variety of religious experience is extraordinary, from lighting a candle in a quiet chapel to a Latin Mass, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament to a Charismatic Healing Service. There is plenty of time for quiet reflection in the beautiful countryside or somewhere special, like the riverside Rosary Garden at Aylesford Priory.

Practicalities are important. You want route finding to be painless – so there are waymarks, a guidebook and a gpx file for use with mobile navigation systems – or if you prefer, you can join a guided walk. You want a variety of accommodation with somewhere for lunch and baggage transfer facilities. You want information on where to find pilgrim stamps and when churches are open – all available free on the website or as a service. Most of all you want to be away from roads in gorgeous countryside with lots of beautiful old churches to visit. This is where the Augustine Camino comes into its own. Kent is known as the Garden of England for good reason. You pass through vineyards, hop gardens, orchards, soft fruit farms and fields of corn, wheat, redcurrants and broad beans. There are forests, marshes and chalk downs plus a variety of local and national nature reserves. The food comes from Michelin starred restaurants or local farm shops and lots of picturesque country pubs.

What are the churches like along the Augustine Camino? Well, they include the two oldest English Cathedrals at Canterbury and Rochester (where most people start). The Nave at Canterbury has just been renovated – it is breathtaking – as is the South Window – with its newly cleaned medieval glass. Rochester has an unusual Norman Nave and a Choir renovated by George Gilbert Scott. Aylesford Priory – a “Prayer in stone” – exemplifies the “Second Spring of the Catholic Church” and includes the original 13 ^th Century refectory where meals are still taken. St Augustine’s in Ramsgate is the ideal church of Augustus Pugin – designer of Big Ben and leader of the Gothic Revival. Other delights include the first American Art Nouveau church window in Europe at Wickhambreaux, Lanfranc’s Leper hospital at Harbledown and the oldest English painting of St Francis at Doddington. Every day includes something beautiful. Bringing it all together are stories of saints, architects, craftsmen and royalty who made this special corner of Christian England what it is.

Those wishing to start in London can take the Romero Way from Southwark Catholic Cathedral to Southwark Anglican Cathedral, then the Becket Way out of London to join the Augustine Camino at Aylesford or Rochester. Alternatively, there are good train links from London to Rochester (and indeed all along the route) which make even day trips a practical proposition.

Walk like an agnostic?

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 20:53:06 GMT

Soon my Angel came again;

I was armed, he came in vain;

For the time of youth was fled,

And grey hairs were on my head.

( William Blake, The Angel

The Via Francigena is a pilgrim route from Canterbury to Rome. My Walking Buddy (WB) and I, both on the wrong side of 60, have flown in from the old continent at the other end of the earth, to follow the VF across the top of France into Switzerland, up to the Great Saint Bernard’s pass.

Conveniently for hikers who are not built for speed, the English part of the VF is easily broken into two bite-sized pieces, about 17 kilometres to Shepherdswell, and a similar distance into Dover. From here, the entrepôt between England and the main landmass of Eurasia since prehistoric times, the modern pilgrim takes a ferry to Calais.

It is always difficult to explain, even to oneself, why some of us eschew creature comforts for weeks or months at a time to walk day after day, enduring aches, pains and blisters, ticks, flies and a myriad other problems that a long road can throw at you. WB was brought up Protestant and so has little affinity to the religious notion of pilgrimage. But he has also just come through a year of chemo and is keen to test his mettle. I am coming along for the ride, more accurately, the hike.

Pilgrimage was really the earliest form of tourism (travel for pleasure alone was not imagined until many centuries later). Etymologically, a pilgrim is simply an outsider, someone passing through. And even after the word took on religious connotations, pilgrims, as we know from Chaucer, were a mixed bunch, enjoying the social aspects of the journey, and not entirely focussed on a sacred mission. In that wide sense, an agnostic, brought up in an Indian-Bengali Hindu cultural context, can perhaps fit into that social process of pilgrimhood while not identifying with the end product of the pilgrimage, be that reaching Rome, investing in a stairway to heaven, or some other more complex version of settling accounts with eternity.

Let’s say, one way or another, everyone on the VF is a pilgrim.

What distance we are walking is a little unclear at the start (and to be honest, now 800kms along the way, it is not much clearer). Pilgrims leave Canterbury Cathedral along the appropriately named Church Street, well-marked with VF signage. At St. Augustine’s Abbey an information board shows the distance to Rome: 1800 kilometres. A kilometre or so further along, at St. Martin’s church, the distance has increased by a whole 100 kilometres to 1900!

Mileposts on the walk from Shepherdswell to Dover are equally confounding showing ‘3 miles to Dover’ at three successive cross-roads a kilometre or two apart. An American day-walker overtaking us at the third of these, calls out reassuringly: ‘well 3 miles is an encouraging distance, right? Just means not-long-to-go-now’.

We started from Canterbury on Easter Monday in pouring rain and gusty winds up to 50 miles-an-hour. Had I been planning a little holiday ramble I would have abandoned the idea as soon as the storm clouds gathered overhead, stayed in and eaten the remaining Easter eggs. Instead we set off in wild weather: the rain didn’t let up until we were about 5 kilometres from Shepherdswell. The high head-winds slowed us to a crawl. But what’s an extra hour or two, when you are going to walk pretty much daily for the next nine or ten weeks, over which the seasons will change, as will the terrain?

A potted history of the Via Francigena could go thus: Romans built very straight, hard-surfaced roads connecting Dover to London in the first century AD (or CE, the Common Era, as it is now called). Though built for military conquest, the roads also opened up the possibility of other forms of travel - for trade, adventure and importantly as Christianity spread west, religious pilgrimage from the British Isles to Rome.

As far as I can tell, the practice and infrastructure of this pilgrimage, Via Romea, the road to Rome, were already established several centuries before Sigeric became the Archbishop of Canterbury. A predecessor Aelfsige had set off on the same venture, some decades earlier and come, literally, to a dead end in the icy Alps in the winter of the year 959! Sigeric travelled in the summer of 990, recording the names of the towns he passed and perhaps stopped at for food and lodgings. The manuscript somehow survived and became the foundation of the modern VF.

Canterbury Cathedral, certainly after the murder and canonisation of Thomas Becket in 1173, would have been vastly more famous as a destination for Believers seeking miracles rather than just a staging post for the journey to Rome. To the contemporary visitor, the starkly grand Cathedral resonates with the martyrdom and mysteries surrounding Becket. Sigeric himself gets no particular attention despite the increasing global popularity of his itinerary amongst modern pilgrims from Britain to Rome. The tiny plaque marking the official start of the Via Francigena, placed on the green at the south side of the Cathedral in 2007, is not visible unless you go looking for it. And despite the enthusiasm of one or two volunteers, there is very little engagement by the Cathedral with the pilgrims heading off on the VF.

Sigeric, like most Archbishops, was all but forgotten, until the ‘rediscovery’ of Via Francigena first by a group of Italian researchers and later taken up by enthusiasts in the UK ( https://www.academia.edu/4354575/DISCOVERING_THE_VIA_FRANCIGENA ).

Like other travellers, Sigeric most likely sailed from Dover to land in Sumeran/Strouanne (now Sombre), near modern Wissant. According to Dr Remy Cordonnier, Senior Archivist at Saint Omer’s medieval library, it is highly unlikely that an Archbishop of a famous and wealthy Cathedral would have actually set off on foot. Nor, despite the sculpture of Sigeric on a donkey in Glastonbury, did the archivist think that Sigeric went all that way on a bare-backed donkey. Most probably, said Dr Cordonnier, Sigeric would have been in a horse drawn carriage, though members of his retinue probably walked.

Nor would Sigeric have followed the precise route set out in most of the contemporary maps and apps of Via Francigena. He would have used the main, straight, Roman roads that connected the towns he passed through and listed. In the 10th century you would have to be a brigand or a lunatic to take curly forrest tracks by choice, as contemporary walkers tend to do.

Saint-Omer, not far from Calais, is not mentioned in Sigeric’s itinerary. We digressed because the historic city famously contains a unique medieval library with antecedents going back to the 7th century and the most famous Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, took refuge here. No, he didn’t walk. Chances are, says the archivist, Becket sailed straight into Saint-Omer as the waterways of the time would have made this the fastest way to escape from Canterbury into France.

That of course, is quite another story, though it does add to my sense that, given the way the earth has changed over the last thousand years, hills flattened and waterways redirected, the modern VF is nothing like a replica of Sigeric’s path. It is a late 20th century construct, not essentially different from the many long trails in the UK : a linked set of paths, way-marked for convenience, designed for tourists who walk, runners who set records, with options for cyclists and pilgrims too.

We are aiming to reach the Great St. Bernard’s Pass, located at about 2500 metres above sea level, the highest point on the walk from Canterbury to Rome. Many medieval travellers including Archbishop Aelfsige died in this area, trying to cross the dangerous Alps into Italy. The pass is named after Bernard of Menthon, who was Archdeacon of Aosta, at the foot of the mountains, some 2000 metres below the pass. Sometime around 1050 Bernard established a hostel for travellers, a mortuary to house the bodies of those who could not be saved, and a monastery for those who would live to serve on these magnificent, dangerous, mostly snow-covered mountains.

Bernard was not canonised for some six centuries after his death. Destroyed and rebuild many times, the hostel has stood open for the weary and the sick ever since its opening. Such charity, commitment, inspiring legacy that has stood now for a thousand years, surrounded by the grand and terrifying Alps, must make St Bernard’s Pass as sacred as any place on earth! In any case, Indians have always imagined that their gods live up on the top of the icy mountains (Himalaya is the land of ice). What better place then to end the pilgrimage?

Earlier this year, friend, novelist and believer, Brenda Walker , said to me an ‘agnostic was someone whom the angels are yet to find.’ But an agnostic neither needs to be found nor needs to find a finality. This pilgrimage, this walk, any pilgrimage, any walk is made up of layers of human endeavour, sacrifice and achievement. A 19th century Hindu sage famously said ‘there are as many paths as you think there are’. The road out of Canterbury, tried over many centuries, forgotten, recovered, redesigned, is well worth testing as a possible way to walk, to wonder at all the grand designs of rivers and mountains, the smaller ones of roads and churches and the tiny ones of bees, flowers and birds’ nests. What a miracle to have it laid out in front of me so I can take it in, one step at a time for days on end!

Krishna Sen is an Australian academic, walker and blogger as 'Hurry Krishna'. Her blog can be found at: http://www.readingtheroad.com/

The Ukrainian Eparchy Pilgrim Way is ready to walk!

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 17:00:40 GMT

A Pilgrim Way for the Ukrainian Eparchy from Westminster Cathedral to the Ukrainian Cathedral of the Holy Family in Exile and the shrines of the Blessed Sacrament, the Tyburn Martyrs, Our Lady of the Rosary and the National Shrine of Our Lady of Willesden. The Way is shared with the Archdiocese of Westminster.

The Way has been walked by Hearts in Search of God Project Lead Phil McCarthy.

Full details of the Way including the inner and outer ways and walking guidance can be found on the Eparchy's page on this website.

The Westminster Pilgrim Way is ready to walk!

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 16:48:01 GMT

A Pilgrim Way for the Archdiocese of Westminster from Westminster Cathedral to the Ukrainian Cathedral of the Holy Family in Exile and the shrines of the Blessed Sacrament, the Tyburn Martyrs, Our Lady of the Rosary and the National Shrine of Our Lady of Willesden. It is shared with the Ukrainian Eparchy.

The Way has been walked by the Hearts in Search of God Project Lead, Phil McCarthy.

Full details of the Way including details of the inner and outer ways and full walking guidance can be found on the Westminster page of this website.

The Curlew Walk: an unlikely pilgrimage

Sun, 28 May 2023 06:19:53 GMT

I recently saw the film (and read the book by the same name), ‘The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry’. It tells the tale of Harold, a retired man in his 60s who receives a letter from an old friend, Queenie, who is writing to say goodbye. Queenie has terminal cancer and is in a hospice; she has very little time left. The news comes as a shock and brings to the surface a wealth of unspoken memories which we see through the acting talent of Jim Broadbent, playing Harold. While he struggles with the tsunami of private emotion, his wife remains tight-lipped. Eventually he manages to pen a reply, but it is underwhelming to say the least. Life has taught Harold to be silent about his feelings, to be invisible and respectable, and to not make a fuss - about anything. He sets off to post his two-line, boring letter, but instead of putting it in the post box at the end of the road, he keeps walking, and walking and walking. In fact, he walks all the way from Devon to Berwick-on-Tweed, around 600 miles, to the place where Queenie lies on the edge of life. He believes he can save her by walking, by his sheer will and determination he is certain she will be cured. Queenie hangs by a thread until he arrives. Harold makes the whole rain-sodden, sun-burnt, blister-filled journey in boat shoes and a shirt and tie. It is a moving film, taut with silent emotion and buried trauma.

The Unlikely ' Pilgrimage' , why did the author, Rachel Joyce, choose that word? Journey would have worked, or adventure (it turned out to be an adventure), or simply walk - why choose pilgrimage? It is the right word. Harold’s walk was transformational. It was rooted in faith, and it imparted insight and wisdom beyond anything he could have imagined on that life-changing, hum-drum Tuesday morning in the suburbs, when a letter dropped onto the door mat. For those reasons and more it was a pilgrimage.

It got me thinking about my own long-distance walks, of which there are quite a few now, quite recently the Camino de Santiago, perhaps the most famous Christian pilgrimage in the world. Which were really pilgrimages and which were just exciting adventures? Pilgrimage is a word that is often used loosely, fading in meaning when describing something far more superficial. For me, it is a sacred word that has power.

I undertook my own unlikely pilgrimage in 2016, a journey of around 500 miles. It wasn’t a known route with markers and a guide book, no one had walked it before as far as I knew, the parameters were set by a declining bird called the Curlew, Europe’s largest wading bird. It was a journey that explored why they were disappearing by walking through their lifecycle, defined by their nesting and wintering grounds. I met the people who are working to save them, the places where they still sing, the empty meadows that no longer resound to their beautiful calls, and it took me to see projects that are trying to bring them back from the brink. I met scientists, birdwatchers, poets, artists, conservationists and farmers, even a priest – anyone who would talk to me about what the bird meant to them. I set off in April on the breeding grounds in meadows and moors, and ended where, come winter, thousands would gather on the coast to see out the harshest months of the year. I called it the Curlew Walk, and my book, Curlew Moon, was the result.

Applying the check list for a pilgrimage - transformational, rooted in faith and imparting insight - then it ticked all the boxes. Not in a purely religious sense of course, the only ‘religious’ figure I made a point of honouring was St Beuno, a 7th Century preacher from West Wales. Legend tells us that Beuno, who was a renowned preacher, was caught in a storm off the coast of Anglesey and dropped his book of sermons into the sea. Through the wind and rain a Curlew flew out from the shore and took it to the beach to dry. St Beuno was so grateful he blessed the Curlew and asked that its nest would always be difficult to find, thus protecting it from harm. This was a sensible move for Curlews, but bad for today’s Curlew fieldworkers trying to protect the eggs and chicks from predators and mowing machines. It is a wondrous story; for me, St Beuno is the patron saint of Curlews (although he is better known for replacing severed heads). That one holy man aside, my Curlew Walk visited no shrines or churches, it was bereft of relics and didn’t require me to perform any rituals. It did, though, transform my life. The walk was based in a firm belief that I could do something to help them, which I hope it has, and I gained more insight into the human condition than I ever thought possible.

The Curlew Walk had an intrinsic emotional arc, it started in a place imbued with hope – the sites where Curlews nest in anticipation of bringing life and music back to the meadows of Ireland, and it ended on the wintering grounds where so many return after yet another unsuccessful breeding season. The final destination was not like arriving at the square outside the cathedral in Santiago, or at a shrine dedicated to Mary, it was vast mudflat washed by the sea. Few people think of mud and sea as holy, but I certainly do. They lift the mind to wonder at the meaning of horizons, where land, sea and sky become one, and they provide food in abundance for countless thousands of creatures of liminal places. It was a fitting place to end a pilgrimage for a wading bird, at the edge of mud where we cannot venture because it is not meant to be inhabited by us. Thank goodness, because if we could I don't doubt wading birds would be in even more serious trouble. The reasons for the decline of Curlews are complex and related entirely to our treatment of the earth, as is the case for so much of wildlife. The Curlew shines an uncomfortably bright light into the soul of humanity.

At the end of the walk, as I let the sea wash over my boots, I had my own tsunami of emotions as I reflected on the inspirational people I had met and the enormity of the challenges we face of living well with nature. I was at once filled with love for a planet that still has wild things that soar and sing, and dedicated souls who care for them. But I also stood at “the edge of the abyss” as Pope John Paul II expressed it, the oblivion into which we are heading through mistreatment of the natural world. Do we have the will to pull away and reimagine who and what we are? Do I have what it takes to fight for a bird that has no economic value, that is shy and unassuming, and that is fading from view? Can I keep going despite the seemingly impossible task of halting extinction? Two lessons you learn on pilgrimage - keep walking, no matter what – keeping going, no matter what. The big questions that filled my mind each day marked the Curlew Walk as a pilgrimage, it allowed them to surface and expand until they infused every cell. Every step on the road was another laying out of my heart, and that is never comfortable. Harold Fry discovered that, too, and that pain doesn’t go away, but it does transform into fuel that propels you forward with hope, perhaps even joy. “Life is very different when you walk through it,” he concluded, I agree.

Mary Colwell's new book 'The Gathering Place, A Winter Pilgrimage Through Changing Times' was published on 13th April 2023 by Bloomsbury.

It is a the story of her 500-mile solo pilgrimage along the Camino Francés, winding through forests, mountains, farmland, industrial sprawls and places of worship, weaving her experiences of the Camino with natural history, spirituality and modern environmentalism.

Walk for Life!

Fri, 19 May 2023 15:55:17 GMT

About Life

We are creating a world where no one faces pregnancy or pregnancy loss alone. Through our services, we help people - whoever they are - to meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish. Our services include:

Free emotional help, counselling, and skilled listening via phone, text, email, or in person.
Housing and community support around the country for mums and their babies.
Free pregnancy tests and baby supplies.
Crafting content that educates the public about pregnancy, pregnancy loss, and our work.

Why walk for Life

We’re thrilled you want to join us and become one of our “ Life Changers ” by choosing to fundraise for us.

Every day, 50+ people reach out to Life for emotional and practical help about pregnancy or pregnancy loss.
Every month, Life gives skilled listening and counselling to 500-1,000 people affected by pregnancy or pregnancy loss.
Every month, 1,500+ people ask Life for a free pregnancy test.
More than 12,000 mums and babies have been housed by Life. At any one time, we’re housing more than 200 mums and babies in our network of Life Houses.

Together we can create a world where no one faces pregnancy or pregnancy loss alone. Your support to help us achieve this.

How your personal pilgrimage could raise funds for the people we serve

You can support us by setting up a Just Giving page and choosing Life as the charity you want to support.

Let us know when you have set up your fundraising page and we can provide you with hints and tips to boost your fundraising and support you with any fundraising resources you might need.

Contact

Email fundraising@lifecharity.org.uk for more information.

Thank you for your interest and support!

The Columban Way Pilgrimage 2023

Tue, 16 May 2023 10:36:10 GMT

The Columban Missionaries are preparing to celebrate the feast of Pentecost and Laudato Si' Week with a unique pilgrimage walk steeped in tradition and focused on mission today.

Following in the footsteps of their patron, St. Columban, who began his own missionary journey to Europe over 1400 years ago, they will embark on a spiritual journey from Padstow to Fowey in Cornwall, from 24 ^th May to 27 ^th May 2023. In a year when the Columbans are visiting parishes in the diocese of Plymouth, this will be an extraordinary opportunity to join with ordained and lay Columban missionaries and co-workers to reflect on 'the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor'.

The pilgrimage will be led by the Columban Director in Britain, Fr. John Boles, and the pilgrim group will include missionaries with experience in Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Taiwan, Fiji, and Britain. Following the rivers Camel and Fowey, the pilgrims will call to mind the people and places served by Columban Missionaries, in Britain and around the world, who are in urgent need of peace and justice, and they will explore ways to bring about positive change and a fairer world. In partnership with St. Mary's parish and primary school in Bodmin, and diocesan representatives from CAFOD, Caritas, and the Youth Ministry, there will be a live-streamed Mass at 6pm on Thursday, 25 ^th May, which will be open to all.

You are also invited to become a ‘virtual’ pilgrim to receive the mission reflections that will be used by the Columbans and to explore how faith can lead to action for the life of God’s world.

Find out more information here:

https://columbans.co.uk/mission/12352/the-columban-way-pilgrimage-2023/

or email to: columbanway2023@columbans.co.uk

The Abbesses Way, South Shropshire

Mon, 15 May 2023 19:14:02 GMT

In the runup to Holy Week, during the 2020 Covid lockdown, we could not process before Palm Sunday Mass, so a friend and I decided to walk the Abbesses Way. This is a 20 mile pilgrimage route from Wenlock Priory in Much Wenlock to Shrewsbury Abbey, commemorating St Milburga, the 8th Century Abbess of Wenlock Priory, and St Winifrede, the 7th Century Abbess, and a patron Saint of our Diocese. Both Abbesses are actually commemorated in the Liturgical calendar; St Milburga on the 7th Wednesday of Eastertide and St Winifrede, on 3rd November. St Milburga founded Wenlock Priory, supported by her uncle Wulfhere, the King of Mercia, and was installed by St Theodore, Archbishop of Canterbury from 669, who worked to heal the tensions between the Celtic and the Roman Church, after the Synod of Whitby, 664. St Milburga was noted for her humility and was endowed with the gift of healing and of bringing sinners to repentance. Under her rule the double monastery flourished like a paradise and she organized the evangelization and pastoral care of south Shropshire. She is said to have had power over birds and was invoked for the protection of crops against their ravages. After a lingering and painful illness, she died peacefully with the words “Blessed are the pure in heart, blessed are the peacemakers”. Her tomb was long venerated until destroyed by invading Danes. The current ruins are those of a Clunaic monastery built after the Norman conquest on the site. St Milburga’s bones were found during excavations of this later house.

St Winifrede is a secondary patron of our Diocese and was venerated both in Shrewsbury and in Holywell. Her relics were moved to Shrewsbury and enshrined and venerated. It was after this that legends about her life began to be told. She grew up near Treffynon (Holywell) in Clywd, a close relative of St Beuno, who founded a monastery at Clynnog Fawr, Afron. Caradog, a chieftain of Hawarden, fell in love with her, but flew into a rage when she spurned his advances and cut off her head. Legend tells us that St Beuno placed her head back on her shoulders and a fragrant spring welled up where her head fell. She lived on to flourish in the religious life, becoming an Abbess of her community in Gwytherin, and died in great holiness in 650. A shrine grew up around the spring and Holywell, as it came to be called, has been venerated throughout the ages to the present day.

Travelling by bus from Shrewsbury to the start of the route, at the Priory in Much Wenlock is an amazing service running every hour throughout the week from Shrewsbury bus station. We started too early to benefit from a tour round the English Heritage owned site of Much Wenlock Priory, which opens at 10am (bookings available online), but a good look at the ruins can be had from the Holy Trinity church yard. We wanted to pray the Stations of the Cross en route, and this was a wonderful place to start.

The route takes you across town and over Wenlock Edge, which gives wonderful views. There is a slightly tricky section after descending the west side, where the sign posts are not so clear. A map and compass are helpful, and a wide berth should be given to The Gippols farm guard dogs! Our gate climbing skills improved with alacrity at this point. The remainder of the walk winds along small roads and footpaths through fields and woods with stiles, linking the ancient churches of Kenley, Langley, Acton Burnell and Berrington. the wind dropped and a watery sun smiled on us for the rest of the day. It took about 8 hrs at a gentle pace and we completed our journey at the shrine of Our Lady Help of Christians at the Cathedral.

The addendum to the route, found online on the link below, provided two more lovely half day walks. Morville Priory to Wenlock Priory (10 miles) and a round trip from the Priory to Buildwas Abbey (11 miles). We took a bus to Morville from Much Wenlock and walked back passing Morville priory, built by the monks of Shrewsbury Abbey, Morville Hall and the Dower House gardens of Dr Katherine Swift (the writer of the Morville Hours), adroitly navigated by Kate Lindsay.

The final walk is a beautiful loop from Wenlock Priory north to the ruins of the 12 century Cistercian Abbey at Buildwas. The ruins of Buildwas Abbey are full of peace and the whispers of ancient prayers and are open to roam around, free of charge. The route heads into Ironbridge along the river, where meals, ice cream and excellent museums and accommodation are to be found. Across the Iron Bridge the path commences the long but stunning pull up Bentnall Edge, affording excellent views over Buildwas and Ironbridge. From here the route descends back south towards Wenlock Priory through fields and along streams.

Catherine Mangham

Photographs by the author

References:

https://britishpilgrimage.org/portfolio/abbesses-way/

Butler’s Lives of the Saints

https://www.pathwaystogod.org/org/st-beunos

Clifton Diocesan Walking Pilgrimage to Glastonbury 7-9th July 2023

Fri, 12 May 2023 17:11:37 GMT

“Through baptism we embark on a road that is sometimes smooth, sometimes rough,

but we do not journey alone.”

Fr Kevin Knox-Lecky, Parish Priest of St Mary’s Church, Glastonbury, 1999 - 2012

The 2023 Walking Pilgrimage to Glastonbury

Every year since the early 1950’s the Clifton Diocesan Glastonbury Pilgrimage has been held with Mass and a procession. For many years groups from each of the deaneries walked to Glastonbury carrying a large wooden cross. In 2023 this tradition of walking pilgrimage to join the Diocesan Glastonbury pilgrimage will be renewed. The programme is ecumenical, and Christians of other traditions are welcome.

Background

Glastonbury has legendary associations with Joseph of Arimathea and King Arthur, but the Abbey was founded in the 8th century on the site of an older church dedicated to Our Lady. It became an outstanding centre for pilgrimage, and the monastery flourished so that by the 14th century was one of the most important in England. It was suppressed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The last abbot, Richard Whiting was hanged, drawn and quartered as a traitor on Glastonbury Tor in 1539 with two other monks.

There is evidence that Our Lady continued to be venerated at Glastonbury during penal times. The first modern pilgrimage to Glastonbury was in 1895 to celebrate the beatification of Abbot Whiting. In 1955 the Shrine of Our Lady of Glastonbury was restored.

Practicalities

Walkers are welcome to join the pilgrimage for any part of the journey, but please inform the pilgrimage lead of your plans and of any changes to them. We must keep to the programme so walkers should be confident of their ability to walk 37 miles over three days.

There is no charge, but pilgrims should bring their own packed lunches and make their own travel (or overnight accommodation) arrangements. A registration form and health & safety briefing will be emailed to walkers nearer to the time. Children (aged under 18) must be accompanied by an adult. We will be walking through fields with cattle so the route is not suitable for dogs.

If you would like to join the pilgrimage please contact Phil McCarthy, the walking pilgrimage leader, via the Contact Us of this website using ‘Clifton’ as the subject. You can see the route on the Diocesan Pilgrim Way page for Clifton using the button at the bottom of the page.

Friday 7 ^th July 2023

09.15 Gather at Clifton Cathedral, Clifton Park, Bristol BS8 3BX

The Cathedral can be reached by buses from the city centre or train to Clifton Down station and a short walk

09.30 Mass and pilgrim blessing at Clifton Cathedral

10.15 Set off to walk to Dundry: 5.91 miles

The Way leaves the City over the historic Suspension Bridge. The route continues through Ashton Court Estate, then along paths parallel to the ring road to reach the A38. The Way ascends to Dundry. There is a pub in Dundry and occasional buses to Bristol

13.00 Picnic lunch at Dundry

14.00 Set off to walk to Chew Magna: 3.41 miles

From Dundry the Way heads south-east through quiet farmland to descend to the charming village of Chew Magna

16.30 Arrive at Chew Magna

17.00 Ecumenical Evening Prayer at St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Chew Magna

17.30 Fish & chips supper at the Old School House, Chew Magna BS40 8SH

Overnight options:

Sleep on the floor at the Old School House (basic washing facilities only)
Arrange your own accommodation in or near Chew Magna (links below)
It may be possible for you to return home by bus (links below)
Arrange collection by private transport (if possible, sharing lifts)

Saturday 8 ^th July

8.30 Gather for Mass at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Chew Magna, BS40 8PR

9.15 Set off to walk to Compton Martin: 5.89 miles

The Way veers to the west across farmland to reach the Monarch’s Way, where it turns south to reach the village of Compton Martin where there is a pub, accommodation and buses.

12.00 Picnic lunch at Compton Martin

12.30 Set off to walk to Wells: 10.14 miles

The Way climbs to the top of the Mendips, descends to reach Wookey Hole, then crosses farmland to reach Wells

17.15 Opportunity to join Evensong at Wells Anglican Cathedral

Overnight options:

B&B at Wells Cathedral School (£40) Must be booked through Phil McCarthy, pilgrimage lead
Arrange your own accommodation in or near Wells (links below)
Return home by bus (links below)
Arrange collection by private transport (if possible, sharing lifts)

19.30 For those staying overnight in Wells, evening meal at ASK Italian BA5 2RB

Sunday 9 ^th July

08.00 Morning prayer at the Church of SS Joseph & Teresa, BA5 2PF

Coffee and biscuits available afterwards

08.30 Set off to walk to Glastonbury Tor: 10.73 miles

The Way continues to follow the Monarch’s Way to leave Wells on the south side to reach North Wooton. After a flat section the route climbs Pennard Hill and turns west to West Pennard. After a section across farmland the Way climbs Glastonbury Tor, site of the martyrdom of Abbot Whiting in 1539

13.00 Prayer for Christian unity followed by picnic lunch at Glastonbury Tor

13.30 Set off to walk to Glastonbury: 1 mile

The Way descends to Glastonbury to reach the Shrine of Our Lady of Glastonbury, BA6 9EJ

14.15 Opportunity to join the Clifton Diocesan Rosary procession in the Abbey grounds

15.30 Opportunity to join the Clifton Diocesan Pilgrimage Mass with Bishop Declan in the Abbey grounds

17.00 Farewells and departure.

For buses see the link below, or by sharing lifts

Links

More information about the Diocesan events in Glastonbury on Sunday 9 ^th July can be found at: www.glastonburyshrine.co.uk

Accommodation

Airbnb: www.airbnb.co.uk/

Booking.com: www.booking.com

Public transport

First Bus: www.firstbus.co.uk/somerset/plan-journey/timetables

Mendip Transport: www.bustimes.org/districts

Walking in Silent Solidarity

Tue, 09 May 2023 15:49:55 GMT

Chaucer tells us that April is the month when “longen folk to goon on pilgrimages”. April was still six weeks away when I struck out “in felawshipe” with a company of pilgrims for Canterbury. Like Chaucer’s pilgrims, we were heading for Canterbury Cathedral, the site of Thomas Becket’s murder in 1170. Unlike Chaucer’s pilgrims, we were to do no storytelling on the way. This was a silent pilgrimage, organised by the British Pilgrimage Trust, along the final seven miles of the Pilgrim’s Way.

As I am a pilgrimage scholar, walking pilgrim routes was not new to me. What was new, however, was the idea of walking in a group in complete silence. As I arrived at the attractive village of Chilham for the start of the walk, I couldn’t help wondering how the day would pan out.

How would I fare being unable to speak to my fellow pilgrims? Would the silence be broken over lunch, and would we be expected, like medieval monks, to communicate in sign language? The walk had been advertised as “deeply contemplative”, which prompted other worries in someone who wasn’t particularly given to contemplation.

The walk began in St Mary’s, Chilham. I found myself among a group of 25 pilgrims — 22 women and three men — in regulation pilgrimage gear, which, in our modern times, includes hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, and a daypack. Dawn Champion, our enthusiastic guide, additionally sported a “pilgrim badge” pinned to her shirt: a large cardboard sign warning passers-by that we were on a silent pilgrimage, lest they take offence at our failure to return their hearty vocal greetings.

Before heading out, we were given a short brief for the day, which included our itinerary and instructions on how to request a toilet stop (a hand signal forming the letter T). Then we were each handed a candle (a tea light) and invited to make our intention for the journey. We held our lighted candles in cupped hands while Dawn recited W. H. Davies’s poem “Leisure”, and sang the medieval song “Sainte Marie virgine” in praise of the Virgin Mary. This combination of Christian and secular spirituality is a hallmark of the British Pilgrimage Trust, and there would be more as the day progressed. We extinguished our candles to symbolise the start of the journey, switched our phones to “silent”, and set off.

Heading out of the village in what could be called “companionable silence”, the group threaded its way into the Kentish countryside. The route took us through quiet villages, across open fields, and past tracts of commercial orchards characterised by regimented blocks of skeletal apple trees still in their winter sleep. We crunched over carpets of bleached and desiccated leaves — the vestiges of last autumn’s windfall — and wound our way beneath the bare branches of coppiced woodland.

It was not my first time on the Pilgrim’s Way. As a keen hiker in the 1990s, I had eagerly tramped the 130 miles from Winchester Cathedral to Canterbury when long-distance walking was growing in popularity. At the time, the Pilgrim’s Way was considered a secular heritage trail, and, had I described myself as a pilgrim, I would probably have been met with a few raised eyebrows. Outside Catholic circles, popular culture had generally consigned pilgrimage to the history books.

Today, of course, much has changed. Pilgrim routes have opened up across the country — many offering pilgrim passports in imitation of the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain — and calling oneself a pilgrim is no longer considered odd.

Gone, too, is the assumption that pilgrimage in this country is practised only by Christians. The British Pilgrimage Trust, founded in 2014 to revive pilgrimage walking in Britain, rigorously promote a “Bring Your Own Beliefs” policy. It’s a diversity ethos to which my fellow pilgrims that day clearly endorsed. Among my walking companions were those who identified as Muslim, Buddhist, agnostic, pagan, and “spiritual but not religious”. About half were Christian, mostly Anglican.

Interestingly, the age demographic was less diverse. Although the ages of the pilgrims ranged from 43 to 70, most of the participants were in their fifties and sixties. There was little indication that this particular pilgrimage appealed to the younger generation.

Dawn told me that the event had proved so popular that it was over-subscribed. She also said that it had attracted an unusually high number of Christians — more than the usual 40-per-cent average. There are clearly some pressing questions here. What is the draw of a silent pilgrimage? What does walking in silence add to the pilgrimage experience? And why did so many Christians sign up to an event that is more “spiritual” (in the modern parlance) than religious?

I put these questions to a few of my fellow pilgrims before the start of the walk. To my surprise, many were first-time pilgrims, and they told me that it was the combination of walking and contemplation which they found so appealing. One lady, a veteran of many Christian retreats, described the pilgrimage as a “walking retreat”.

A handful had come from London, and were looking for something different in a day out in the country. Others voiced more prosaic benefits of a silent pilgrimage. I overheard a couple of mothers joking that it was an opportunity to escape the noisy, frenetic environment of the family home.

We stopped for lunch at No Man’s Orchard — so called because it straddled two parishes — tucking into our sandwiches amid the grand but gnarled remnants of ancient apple trees. Dawn had given us “permission” to speak at lunchtime, but no one seemed particularly keen to do so. It wasn’t easy to break out of the silent habit.

In the afternoon, we continued through more silver-birch woodland and crossed the noisy A2. As we drew nearer to our destination, the route was punctuated by stops at places of historic interest. These included the Iron Age Bigbury Camp, a holy well on the site of a former medieval leper hospital, and St Dunstan’s, containing, hidden away in the crypt, the head of Thomas More.

These evocative locations afforded the group ample opportunity to engage in the “pilgrimage-specific practices” described on the British Pilgrimage Trust website. Following Dawn’s lead, we lay down on the grassy ramparts of Bigbury Camp for some “looking at the sky meditation”; “circumambulated” St Nicholas’s, Harbledown; and “took the waters” at the Black Prince’s Well (once Dawn had filtered out the impurities).

Unable to enter St Michael and All Saints, we tentatively but gamely undertook a spot of barefoot walking in the graveyard, and pressed our foreheads to the cold stone of the exterior wall. It was these private, sensory interactions with the world around which, for me, differentiated this pilgrimage from those with which I’m more familiar. Dawn, who had come from a heritage background, also explained that these silent walks brought out an important difference between tourism and pilgrimage. While tourists related to places on a factual, objective level, pilgrims connected to them intuitively, and in a more personal and spiritual way. Pilgrims, she said, experienced places differently.

Our final stop before Canterbury Cathedral was St Dunstan’s, famed as the location where King Henry II donned a hairshirt to begin his 1174 penitential pilgrimage to atone for Thomas Becket’s death. Thankfully, hairshirt-wearing wasn’t among the pilgrimage practices encouraged by the trust, and we instead enjoyed a recuperative few minutes of contemplation in the nave, before a final round of candle-lighting to remind us of our journey intentions.

I should admit at this point that I wasn’t the most successful silent pilgrim. I lost my candle somewhere along the route, and, as we entered the city through the West Gate, and weariness set in, I forgot we were not supposed to talk, and tried to engage a fellow pilgrim in conversation. I was met with a stony silence, and finally a soft reproof: “If you don’t mind, I’d like to keep the silence until we arrive at the cathedral.” A failed silent pilgrim, I hung my head in shame for the remainder of the walk to the cathedral. Perhaps I was more suited to the jovial Chaucerian kind of pilgrimage than a walking silent retreat.

And yet, walking in silence had, for me, also been an enjoyable and relaxing experience. Yes, you can walk alone in silence, but being part of a group frees you from the anxieties that often beset the solitary walker: the fear of losing the path, of mistiming the walk, or, for women, a concern about safety. There was something comforting about walking in the presence of others, of being in a “safe space” for a few hours, and allowing your thoughts and sensations to enter freefall. And silent walking, of course, affords the opportunity for quiet spirituality, whatever your faith.

More surprisingly, I found a silent pilgrimage strangely liberating. On a silent pilgrimage you’re released from the unspoken obligation of making small talk with your fellow walkers, and free to immerse yourself in the landscape around. As Guy Hayward, co-founder of the British Pilgrimage Trust, said to me, as human voices tune out so nature tunes in. “Birds sing more, and the wind through the trees, running water, and sounds of nature become more present.”

My favourite memory of the day — caught on my cameraphone — was when, literally out the blue, a mistle thrush burst into song above our heads. In the absence of conversation, no one missed this fleeting event. Heads turned upwards in unison — and, suddenly, we weren’t separate individuals lost in our disparate thoughts, but a community of pilgrims walking in solidarity, absorbed in the same moment at the same time.

Dr Anne E. Bailey is an Associate Member of the History Faculty, University of Oxford, and has published on medieval and modern pilgrimage.

This article is reproduced by permission of the Church Times.

Photographs taken by the author.

Planning a School Student Pilgrimage - The St Edward's Way

Thu, 04 May 2023 17:20:48 GMT

The St. Edward’s way in Dorset is a 32-mile route that connects two significant locations, Lady St. Mary Church in Wareham to Shaftesbury Abbey Museum. The former was the location of St Edward’s burial in 972 and the latter his resting place from 979 after his remains were translated, and Shaftesbury became a centre of pilgrimage. Our School was named after St. Edward, the teenage king whose martyrdom has a strong local connection, and the newly commissioned route presented the perfect opportunity for a school pilgrimage.

We assembled a small group of staff in school to consider both the logistics and the rationale and to establish the links to local communities needed to complete the full route. There are fantastic online resources from a variety of websites which includes; routes, descriptions, historical background and posts from people recently completing sections. From these resources, and with the support of Shaftesbury Abbey Museum, we decided to walk a trial section of 10 miles from Shillingstone to Shaftesbury in July 2022. From this event, we realised that students were capable of walking the route without the need to purchase additional walking clothing or footwear provided that conditions were reasonable, (and that students from Years 7-12 walked at an average of 2mph with breaks and accounting for hills!). Our trial event highlighted the lack of public toilets in rural settings and this is something we would need to plan for.

St Edward’s began as a Catholic school, and is now a relatively rare joint-Church school, supported by the Dioceses of Plymouth and Salisbury. The 60 ^th anniversary of the foundation of our school falls in 2023 and we wanted to include the pilgrimage as one of the school events used to mark this milestone. We decided to include students from each year group and to complete the 32 miles in 4 stages, one each month through April to July in order to benefit from good weather, and to provide a regular reminder to our school community that we were progressing towards our anniversary in September. A member of our chaplaincy team will be accompanying each stage of the pilgrim route, to ensure that the spiritual dimension of pilgrimage is sustained throughout the journey. It was the chaplaincy team that brought the unifying elements of the four stages together with prayer and also in the creation of the pilgrim’s staff. One of our chaplaincy team created the staff which has an engraved image specific to each of the start and end locations so that students can know what part of the pilgrimage journey they played, unifying the the four discrete groups to this shared experience.

So far we have completed one of the four sections, the first being walked by Year 7 student leaders who are representatives of each of our tutor groups. Each stage involves a different group of student leaders so that the majority of year groups will have representatives that have completed the pilgrimage. Building links to the local communities along the way has resulted in significant interest from the local villages and parishes, with opportunities to meet clergy and to use facilities which would otherwise not have been an option without the creation of these links. This in turn has raised the profile of the pilgrimage route and also our school as our students have been great ambassadors. Key to this is the students knowing why it is that we are completing this pilgrimage and how their small part links to our mission statement of ‘May we be one’.

One other important element is checking the route and being confident to lead a group. As I live in a village that falls upon the route and have previous experience training expedition groups I was able to walk much of the route weeks in advance, this enabled me to check the suitability of the trail and to ensure there were access opportunities to enable the minibus to collect a student in the event of a minor injury. Knowledge of the route enabled me to liaise with parents of students that have additional learning needs to ensure that the challenge of the day was understood and so that we planned for their needs to ensure the experience was inclusive.

We look forward to completing the remaining stages and we are considering completing one section in September as a staff and Governor’s group to share the experience more widely. The pilgrim’s staff will be on display in our Legacy Chapel which holds the school archive, and I hope that we can use the pilgrim staff and complete the pilgrimage, perhaps in different ways, in the coming years, always carrying this unifying symbol.

Stuart Keene, Assistant Headteacher and Pilgrimage Leader

The photos taken by Stuart Keene and are not subject to copyright.

The London to Walsingham Camino

Thu, 04 May 2023 09:19:42 GMT

It was Antonia’s idea, and I had to agree it was a good one.

She told me that it was all very well to have re-established the pre-Reformation walking route from London to Walsingham, and fine that I had walked each stage four or five times in the course of researching the path... but. To truly bear witness I had to walk the whole thing in one go.

‘You have to do it,’ she said. ‘I’ll walk it with you.’ Which she did.

We became three when Sarah, an Anglican deacon, also signed up for the full slog. We were joined along the way by others, a couple for a week, others for a day or three, and became a generally merry band, even in the face of rain, storm, hail, blisters and creaking knees.

Tell people you are walking from London to Norfolk and you get a range of reactions

‘I think that’s great’ was one.

‘That’s not possible’ was another

‘Haven’t you got cars?’ was a third.

Gratifyingly, variations on the first were the most common.

But when I told the many people we met along the way that this was a pilgrimage I got a fair few blank looks. Yet, if I said this was a Camino, ‘like they have in Spain’, I almost always got nods of recognition. Often they knew of the film, The Way, in which a character played by Martin Sheen walks to the shrine of St James in Santiago, in honour of a son who died on the eve of his own Camino journey.

From there I was playing to a receptive audience. They loved the idea of doing a Camino in England. Mention Walsingham as the destination, however, and eyes dimmed again. Even when we got to Norfolk, Walsingham's recognition factor was low. Indeed, I only had a vague ides of its significance before I started this project.

I didn’t know it was England’s most important shrine, pre-Reformation, with offerings five times those at Canterbury, which placed Walsingham behind just Santiago, Rome and Jerusalem as pilgrim destinations. And I didn’t know that the road leading there from London was the most important in the country. I learned these things from Leonard Whatmore, a Catholic priest whose 1973 book Highway to Walsingham gave me all the historic context, and traced the medieval route. Yet Whatmore never walked the route, nor applied it to modern maps. I did that, with the help of many volunteers, members of the Confraternity of St James who lived along the route and – if not for lockdown – would have been off to Spain.

One reason for re-establishing the London to Walsingham Camino is to seek to raise awareness of the significance of Walsingham.

Walking the whole route in 13 days (plus a rest-day at Bury St Edmunds, the half-way point) was a revelation.

Walking each day set up a rhythm in which the awareness of being a pilgrim grew. As day followed day, the ordinary, everyday world and my life in it shrank in significance, and the life of the spirit and the joyful sense of communal endeavour grew ever stronger.

We were welcomed at many points along the way. Many of the 22 churches in which we have placed pilgrim stamps invited us to join them for Morning or Evening Prayer, for Mass and – on one memorable occasion, in the village of Withersfield – the most enchanting Evensong I have ever experienced. The village choir was accompanied on a homely squeeze-box like organ and afterwards the vicar, Max Drinkwater, joined us for pilgrim supper at the village inn, the White Horse, where we were staying.

In Bury St Edmunds we enjoyed a richly ecumenical day, starting with Mass in St Edmund’s church, in a chapel created in secret during penal times, when Catholic worship was outlawed. Next came a guided tour of St Edmundsbury Cathedral, which began life as a church, dedicated to St James by a 12th century abbot who was unable to go on pilgrimage to Santiago. A walk around the ruins of the abbey followed, with prayers at the site of St Edmund’s shrine, and the day ended with Evening Prayer in the cathedral.

One of the great joys for me, a Catholic, was to discovered the beauty of Anglican Morning and Evening Prayer. They read like meditations, and we started and ended most of our days with them.

As we progressed through the glorious east of England we came to appreciate the quiet beauty of a whole swath of this country overlooked by many long-distance walkers. It may not offer rugged hills, let alone mountains, or rocky coastlines, but this felt like the true heart of England.

We found a string of wonderful Anglican churches, and in many of them we got a warm welcome. But in most the congregation was very small. Often, the three or four who fed us a pilgrim lunch of soup and sandwiches, and walked with us for the rest of the day, were the only regular worshippers. In one we asked the churchwarden, as we tucked in, how may there were in the congregation and he replied: ‘Me.’ This was a tradition hanging by a thread.

In Catholic churches, fewer and further between, the story was no better. Two churches where priests had enthusiastically responded to my news about the new Camino had since moved on, and week-day Masses were no longer said. But, in contrast to the churches, the village inns were packed, and we stayed in a number of them. They all seemed to have surged back after lockdown, and were the true heart and social centre of the village.

Something significant occurred in a number of those pubs. Sarah wore her collar at all times. I had wondered how people would react to it, but the reception couldn’t have been friendlier. In several they thought they were meeting the vicar (for the first time, given hardly any of them went to church) and came over to chat. One local asked Sarah if she was a Catholic priest. Another, who was completely unchurched, began in a challenging vein, a sort of ‘what’s it all about then’, but then spoke movingly of his life, his fears and his challenges. You got the sense that he might just pop into a church for the first time in his life, after this.

In the Crown, in Fakenham, a pilgrim inn pre-Reformation, we went the full Chaucer. This was our last night before Walsingham, and a little roistering seemed allowable. It was Karaoke night, and each of us took a turn. One pilgrim, Steve, had such a good voice that he was asked if he was a professional. My rendition of I am a Cider Drinker by the Wurzles went down less well. ‘Should’ve done I’ve Got a Brand New Combine Harvester’, it’s easier,’ the MC muttered as he grabbed the mic back off me.

Our final day was truly sublime. We began by joining the vicar, Tracy, for Morning Prayer at St Peter and St Paul. We had been welcomed in this church the previous afternoon, gratefully hoovering up the remains of a fine St George’s Day spread of sandwiches, pork pies and quiche.

We walked in silence for the six miles to Walsingham, the bell at the Slipper Chapel, the Catholic Shrine to Our Lady of Walsingham, tolling for us as we made our final approach. After Mass here we walked on to Walsingham Abbey, and the site of the Holy House, the spot venerated so profoundly by countless pilgrims down the centuries, until Henry VIII destroyed the shrine. That evening we were invited by the Anglican Shrine to Guardian’s day prayers, followed by drinks.

In all, this was a wonderful climax to our two-week walk, an ecumenical day never to be forgotten, and a fitting end to a true, English Camino.

Andy Bull is author of London to Walsingham Camino: The Pilgrimage Guide , (Trailblazer £17.99)

Pilgrimage to Bury St Edmunds - Ancient and Modern

Tue, 02 May 2023 14:33:48 GMT

Bury St Edmunds is a historic market town in rural Suffolk. It is a town with a strong Catholic heritage and community. I attend St Edmund’s church which is a restored classical church built in 1857 around an original chapel dating from 1760. I have lived in Suffolk all my life. I was born in East Suffolk near the coast and now I live in the West, so I have always taken an interest into our local history, environment and Suffolk’s many churches. I am also keen on the preservation of Suffolk’s many historic churches and buildings.

The whole nation has a long and rich history that needs preservation, and churches in particular tell very personal stories with the many names remembered in plaques and stain-glass windows that are dedicated to loved ones or benefactors. I sometimes feel that Suffolk is overlooked and somewhat neglected, so in this short article, please allow me to bring Suffolk to your attention.

Bury St Edmunds is named after Saint Edmund who was a Christian martyr and king of East Anglia during the mid-9th century, at the same time as the Viking invasion of 865. Edmund was martyred on the 20 ^th of November, 869. It is not known when he was canonised but in 1020 King Canute established a Benedictine Abbey around his resting place. It is a little-known fact that King Edmund was the original Patron Saint of England until 1350, when he was replaced by St George. There have been local campaigns to restore St Edmund as the patron saint but I wouldn’t propose changing the English flag because both saints deserve recognition.

The Abbey of St Edmund was a pilgrimage destination for people from all over Europe, including kings and nobles who helped the Abbey to grow in wealth, which unfortunately drew resentment and made it a prime target for Henry VIII. The abbey was closed in 1539 during the dissolution of the monasteries and although it was eventually dismantled the ruins of the Abbey still stand. In 1959 a church that existed in the grounds of the Abbey was extended into an Anglican Cathedral. The tale of the Abbey is a lesson of what happens when historic monuments and buildings are destroyed: they are lost to history and their loss has wider effects on the surrounding town’s economy and reputation forever more.

Last year we celebrated the 1000 ^th anniversary of the Abbey, postponed from 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The celebrations involved an entire year of events including three pilgrimages to St Edmundsbury Cathedral from Ely Cathedral, St Benet’s Abbey in Norfolk and Chevington village just outside of Bury St Edmunds. The celebrations culminated with the Feast of St Edmund on the 20 ^th of November along with a light display that projected images telling the story of the Abbey onto the Norman tower besides the cathedral. A twenty-minute documentary about the Abbey 1000 celebrations was made and can be watched here .

The Abbey 1000 events demonstrated another aspect of my town: the relationship between Anglicans and Catholics. In Bury St Edmunds we come together, celebrating our joint history and heritage that we both hold so dear. This is something that is important to me as I feel myself to be a communion of Catholic and Anglican, for I was baptised a Catholic but confirmed in our local village Anglican church.

I feel that if history was different, if the Abbey had not been closed and dismantled, if it had remained intact till this day, then Bury St Edmunds would be a different place and its reputation as a pilgrimage destination in England and Europe would still be strong. So Bury St Edmunds is worth a visit when making a pilgrimage to Walsingham. We do not have a Catholic cathedral, but the Anglican St Edmundsbury Cathedral lists local pilgrimage options as well as a virtual tour where you can learn about the life and history of the Abbey.

Close by and across the border to Norfolk is Thetford, where you can see ruins of Thetford Priory and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. These ruins not only tell the history of East Anglia but are poignant reminders that England has suffered a turbulent history, first under Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries, then again from the iconoclasm during the English Civil War.

So please remember Bury St Edmunds the next time you plan your pilgrimage and take some time to appreciate our history. St Edmundsbury Cathedral has a very good restaurant called the ‘Pilgrim’s Kitchen’, and if you arrive early enough then I thoroughly recommend ‘Eggs Benedict’ for breakfast! Further information about the Abbey of Saint Edmund can be found at:

Bury St Edmunds Abbey | English Heritage

Abbey of St Edmund Heritage Partnership

St Edmundsbury Cathedral

The Lancaster (North) Pilgrim Way is Ready to Walk!

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 08:00:04 GMT

The St Mary's Way

A Pilgrim Way from the Cathedral of St Peter in Lancaster to the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Cleator.

The walk was first completed over the summer of 2018 by Peter, Benedict, Jacob and Tony Robinson. All photographs on the page and in the booklet were taken by Benedict Robinson.

The magnificent 67 mile route takes in quiet canal side paths, the wide open views of Morecambe Bay, England's longest lake and a climb in the shadow of Lakeland’s highest mountains, finishing at the peaceful grotto built in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes in West Cumbria.

Resources for the inner and outer journeys, walking guidance and the GPX file can be found on the Lancaster (North) page of this website.

Health & Safety Risk Assessment

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 19:18:14 GMT

This risk assessment process is based on the model shared by the Diocese of Leeds for their St Wilfrid’s Way Pilgrimage. The Hearts in Search of God project is grateful for their generosity.

The group leader should consider the risks involved in the pilgrimage and record the steps taken and planned to mitigate the risk, the responsibility and timescale for action and an assessment of the residual risk level. Examples are given below. Group leaders should produce a briefing for walkers to address the risks identified. A written briefing can should be circulated to participants in advance of the walk and a verbal briefing given on the day of the walk.

The model risk assessment can be adapted for the circumstances of the particular pilgrimage.

Health & Safety Briefing

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 19:03:01 GMT

The model briefing in the link based on the model shared by the Diocese of Leeds for their St Wilfrid’s Way Pilgrimage. The Hearts in Search of God project is grateful for their generosity.

Group leaders should carry out their own risk assessment of the proposed route and adapt the briefing to address the risks identified. The written briefing (Part A) may be circulated to participants well in advance of the walk and the verbal briefing (Part B) given on the day of the walk.

How and why the St Wilfrid's Way was created

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 18:45:42 GMT

Stephen Habron explains how he came to create the St Wilfrid's Way

THOSE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKING, SAYS POPE FRANCIS

THE STORY OF THE WHY AND HOW ST WILFRID’S WAY WAS CREATED

The Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis, commenced with the opening of the Santa Porta (Holy Door) at St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome on 8th December 2015, and ended on Sunday 20th November 2016. On Sunday 13th December, Gaudete Sunday, the 3rd Sunday of Advent, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door in the Cathedral Church of Rome, St. John Lateran, saying:

"We have opened the Holy Door, here and in all the cathedrals of the world. Even this simple sign is an invitation to joy. It begins a time of the great forgiveness. It is the Jubilee of Mercy."

In the Vatican City on 21 January 2016 Pope Francis said the following as he received three thousand leaders of pilgrimages and rectors of shrines, participating in the Jubilee at the Paul VI Hall:

"Making a pilgrimage to shrines is one of the most eloquent expressions of the faith of a people for God … This popular religiosity is an authentic form of evangelisation that must be promoted and emphasised, without minimising its importance"

"It would be a mistake to think that those who go on a pilgrimage live a spirituality that is not personal but rather of the 'masses'. The reality is that the pilgrim carries within him his own history and faith, and the lights and shadows of his own life. Each person carries within his or her heart a special wish and a particular prayer.”

“The practice of pilgrimage has a special place in the Holy Year, because it represents the journey each of us makes in the life.”

It was a Sunday lunchtime in Autumn 2015 when the idea of creating a camino within the Diocese of Leeds was mentioned to me. Camino means “the path or the way.” Maybe because I had walked the Camino Frances in Spring 2013 to Santiago de Compostela, and as the following year 2016 was to be a Jubilee Year of Mercy, I realised that this comment was meant for me! Thus the scenario was set for the eventual creation of the St. Wilfrid’s Way, nothing more nothing less than a causal remark during lunch! It was the start of a learning curve on how to create a camino, quite a daunting prospect.

Where from? Where to? How long? How far? Will many, or perhaps, will anyone walk it? These were just a few of the initial concerns that came to my mind.

So the actual process of writing the St. Wilfrid’s Way (SWW) was aided by the experience gained in my first efforts to create a camino from my Parish Church – St Patrick’s in Huddersfield to Leeds Cathedral dedicated to St Anne.

After the success of the Parish to Cathedral Camino, it was suggested that I might wish to devise a Camino from the Cathedral of St. Anne’s in Leeds to Ripon. Little did I know then that plans were in the pipeline for Bishop Marcus Stock to say Mass in Honour of Our Lady and St. Wilfrid and the Saints of the Diocese of Leeds in Ripon Cathedral on Saturday 8th October 2016. I am happy to report that an estimated 1,300 pilgrims from the Diocese of Leeds attended the Mass, including a small band of 6 walking pilgrims who had departed from Leeds Cathedral two days earlier!

We are blessed, like most of the dioceses of England and Wales, with a multitude of holy places, holy wells, and shrines to a vast number of saints and people. The main raison d’etre for the Camino is to have the opportunity to visit those sites and pray and reflect just like the hundreds of thousands of earlier pilgrims. It is without doubt a humbling thought and experience.

The journey from Leeds Cathedral of St Anne to Ripon was later to be named St. Wilfrid’s Way, in honour of the secondary patron of our Diocese and the builder of the first Church on what is now the site of Ripon Cathedral, and who was initially buried there.

A group of pilgrims led by the author first walked the initial route in October 2016, the outline of route is as follows:

Day 1: The 2016 route left from the Cathedral on Thursday 6th October, via Woodhouse Ridgeway (a route probably used by the monks of Fountains Abbey) Meanwood Grove, Eccup, Harewood Estate, crossing the River Wharfe onto Kirkby Overblow, Crimple Valley finally arriving in Harrogate, which at 21 miles proved to be too far for the comfort of all but the fittest of walkers.

Day 2: Started in Harrogate using the Nidderdale Cycle Way to Ripley, on through the site of the medieval village of Cayton Gill, to the villages of Markington and Ingerthorpe and along Strait Lane to Markenfield Hall and along Whitcliffe Lane onto Ripon Cathedral.

Subsequently in 2017 and thereafter saw the route change and the first major change was to start from Roundhay Park which is a short bus ride from the centre of Leeds. It has taken six years to finally set the current regular route. Today the St Wilfrid’s Way is a two-day pilgrimage usually walked on the Friday and Saturday as close as possible to the Feast Day of St. Wilfrid (October 12th). St Wilfrid is the secondary Patron of the Diocese of Leeds.

Day 1 St. Anne’s Cathedral to Roundhay Park by bus, and on to Shadwell, East Keswick, Wood Hall and Sicklinghall, and finally to the Shrine if Our Lady of the Crag in Knaresborough, where we overnight. The walk is 17 Miles in 3 sections with 5 stages in total

Day 2: Ripley and Bishop Thornton (the oldest parish church in the Diocese) to Markenfield Hall, a meeting place of the Rising in The North in November 1569, then on to Ripon Cathedral founded by St. Wilfrid. The walk is 16 Miles in 2 sections with 4 stages

For the complete route details please see www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk/pilgrimages/

Stephen Habron

March 2023

Planning a Weekend Group Pilgrimage

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 17:01:33 GMT

The planning of the St Wilfrid's Way

Stephen Habron

The inspiration

Where from? From my parish Church in Huddersfield – why not?

Where to? St Anne’s Cathedral Leeds.

How far? 23 miles

Why not give it a go? Having lived in and around Huddersfield all my life I had the local knowledge which is a huge help when planning any walk – let alone a new dedicated route. So first item to get is an OS Map(s) of the area where you are planning to walk – today people may simply ask Mr Google! His answer 18.6 miles via Dewsbury – all road walking. A camino should if possible be peaceful, quiet and safe; a time to listen to nature and to let the messages on the breeze open your mind and stimulate your inner spirit.

Planning

I elected to plan the route with the minimum of main road walking just like the real Camino – canals if available make wonderful walking and have the advantage of being level (well, more or less level). Public bridleways are ideal pathways as they tend to be wider and better maintained that ordinary footpaths – and importantly you have the right to walk on the bridleway – no question. Footpaths can be problematical and sometimes landowners do not make route finding easy – but you can usually find a way to solve the problem.

Are there any locally established walking routes, such as the Kirklees Way, Leeds Country Way and Ripon Roundel Walk. When you start to search you maybe pleasantly surprised how much of the planning has been done for you. Having consulted OS Maps and the Kirklees Way and the Leeds Country Way the rudiments of a route began to take shape.

Next step is simple – just start and walk your possible route - by the time you have finally completed your booklet you will know the actual route inside out! Don’t despair or be disappointed if it doesn’t work out the first time or the second or even the third, just try again adjusting as required for by now you will have a feel for what is right and comfortable. Also you will by now know the location of the bus stops, railway stations, loos, shops and even the pubs!

Writing

Once a route has taken shape - the next step is to write it down in detail. A good hard backed notebook is my chosen method – others may prefer to use more modern technology, either way it is time consuming – but when it comes to writing up the routes you have your own point of reference to consult. A pedometer or fit bit type watch or a walking app on your phone helps you to record how far it is from A to B. Remember to record both distance and time taken to walk either the part or full section.

Remember that groups only walk as fast as the slowest walker, so it is important to be able to offer realistic timings for each section of the Camino. When you actually walk the Camino for the first time with a group of pilgrims – most of whom you may have never met – let alone walked with, one of the first questions you will be asked is: “How long will it take to walk the Camino?” If it helps, I have found that a pace of around 2.5 m.p.h. seems to cover most average walkers. Remember to suggest that people who are not regular walkers get some prior practice before joining in or sore feet, delays and disappointment can easily follow.

Finish the initial draft and then ask a friend to either walk with you or by themselves following your written instructions, having asked them to note any problems or queries or suggestions for improvement or clarity. On reflection this was a very important step - because you know the way it is all too easy to miss the obvious in terms of writing clear and accurate directions.

I also began to realise that the booklets should be easy and clear to follow. It is important to remember that not all pilgrims will be regular or experienced walkers, so I have tried to make the booklets as user friendly as possible. The writing stage can be helped by reading other guidebooks and pamphlets to see how others communicate directions.

Health & Safety

Another important consideration is Health & Safety – if you are walking in an organised group under the auspices of a diocese it is important to have a responsible person who will undertake this role. In practical terms make sure that you highlight obvious dangers – crossing major roads, golf courses, level crossings and fields of cattle! This can be frustrating for the writer – you have walked the route several times during planning no such problem - then when you come to walk on the day with your group you find your favourite field is full of cattle. So, if possible, devise and include an alternative route.

Transport

How to get back home? Where is the nearest public transport so that those who walk the way in sections can get safely back home? Try and make sure that you highlight available bus stops and route numbers.

Checking

Now follows a period of what seemed for me a time of endless checking and corrections and tweaks. This highlighted the importance of getting your rights and lefts in the correct sequences! When I began writing the thought then occurred to me that I am reasonably fit and a confident walker, especially after walking the Camino Frances to Santiago de Compestela and onto Cape Finisterra in Spring 2013. Other pilgrims may not have the time or energy to walk 18 miles in one day at one stretch! I decided to split the route into smaller, easy sections of 5 - 6 miles, so that pilgrims could walk the Camino over several days or at different times as their timetables allowed. So by creating sections the way became more accessible to a greater number of potential pilgrims, thus allowing them possible access to local churches and transport as and where the route allowed.

Publicity

You have spent hours walking and writing and more hours checking and correcting and the next task is how to publicise your efforts. Parish bulletins or word of mouth, but as these caminos are usually a diocesan initiative make a beeline for the diocesan website and hopefully you will find a friendly Communications Officer who will tell the world about the new camino. Make sure you include highlights of the walk, distances, and estimated times or a provisional timetable: the latter is helpful to plan your walks if you are only doing a section, or to arrange pick up times once you have completed the whole way. Once you have set a date – go and share the joys of your efforts with other pilgrims.

Spiritual dimension

It is an individual choice for the leader to decide what to add in terms of the spiritual dimension to each days walking, this will be enhanced and influenced by the route and shrines and churches on your camino. If possible, start the first day with Mass, maybe stop to pray the Angelus, walk a section in silence, and maybe say a decade of the rosary in a church and a prayer of thanksgiving at the end of the day. When walking at weekends check what Vigil Masses maybe available at your destination.

Further information

For more about St. Wilfrid’s Way including a detailed booklet of the Camino please see www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk/pilgrimages/

Stephen Habron

March 2023

Walking the Via Francigena 2008

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 22:21:31 GMT

Walking the Via Francigena: A 21st Century Pilgrimage

First published in The Tablet 13th June 2009

Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor came straight to the point: “Why on earth did you do it?” I was almost at the end of a 1,200 mile walk from Canterbury to Rome and felt dehydrated and bedraggled. Two hours ago I had been dozing on a bench by the Tiber and I had not been expecting to meet a Cardinal when I dropped in at the English College on my way to St Peter’s Square to meet my wife, Cath. It was a good question: why on earth had I done it?

I had no practical reason so before setting off I concocted some justifications. I have always loved long distance walks and wanted to travel at a slow pace to be in touch with the planet and to notice the small things. I needed a break from my work as a GP and time for solitude and reflection. I wanted to get fit, to raise money for charity, to live differently and to learn about Europe. These answers generally failed to satisfy my questioners and they usually followed up with: “So is it a pilgrimage then?” I tried to dodge this, reluctant to be pigeon holed and unsure if pilgrimage in the 21st Century can be anything other than walking tourism.

Despite lacking a convincing rationale I set off on Easter Monday 2008 from Canterbury Cathedral and followed the Via Francigena, the ancient route that English pilgrims took to Rome until the Reformation. Before then Archbishops of Canterbury had needed to get to Rome to receive their pallium or sign of office from the Pope and in 990AD a clerk in the party of Archbishop Sigeric wrote down the stops. The Via Francigena has been rediscovered and reopened as a pathway across Europe but only a handful of people a year walk the full distance. The way took me to Dover, across the war scarred fields of Northern France, through the Champagne country, over the Jura Mountains to Lausanne then round Lake Geneva to cross the snowbound Great St Bernard Pass through the Alps, across the Po valley and over the Apennines to the Mediterranean. Finally the route passes through the medieval cities of Tuscany to Rome. I saw much beauty, met some fascinating people, stayed in a Palace and slept on floors, and was astonished by the kindness of strangers.

Three months on the road brought some difficulties, particularly blisters, infected ulcers and foot pain. Maps were a problem in Italy until I found some specialist ones1 and although the route is signposted in places this was rarely helpful. Vicious dogs were a regular nuisance and I was bitten twice and would take a “dog dazer” on any future walk. Frustratingly my bank card would not work in Italian cash point machines. On the other hand I was rarely lonely or afraid and got used to moving on every day and to phoning ahead to book a bed in my faltering French and non existent Italian. In rural France it could be difficult to find somewhere to stay but I was fortunate to meet families who generously accepted me into their homes. Late one evening after a 26 mile walk I was desperately looking for a dry bus shelter for the night when I saw a light on in the Town Hall. I threw myself on the mercy of the Mayor and he opened the sports hall for me. The prospect of being homeless for a night was frightening, but I realised how little it had in common with the plight of those I see in my work with homeless people in Bristol. Accommodation in Italy was never a problem because of the many hostels run by parishes and religious houses. It was wonderful to be welcomed, trusted, helped and befriended and to receive glimpses into a spectrum of communities and ways of life. An example of this trust was in Bar sur Aube where the priests were on retreat but I was allowed to stay in the presbytery while my ulcers healed. Sometimes in ordinary places I encountered what can only be described as holiness: the exceptionally reverent and intense mass in a community run by a Marianist priest in Vercelli, the nuns committed to practical social action in Sienna but who found time to welcome a stranger, the singing from a balcony of an enclosed convent in Sutri. The experience was disorientating and enchanting.

I arrived in Rome in time for the Feast of Saints Peter & Paul as planned and had achieved most of my aims: I had walked all the way, mostly alone, lost 10kg, got much fitter, raised £4,000 for charity and had had a complete break from everything. I had learnt something about the places and landscapes I passed through and had been able to investigate the battle for High Wood in 1916 and visit the grave of my great-uncle. Walking from the battle fields of Normandy to Rome without needing to show my passport gave me a new respect for the European political project and the Universal Church and a deepened dislike of all forms of nationalism. Hilaire Belloc, another walker to Rome, believed that "the faith is Europe and Europe is the faith". This is no longer true but I saw many signs of hope. These included the parish in France where one priest covered 18 churches but the people were organised into four “relais” each with their own “evangelist” and all the churches had open doors and altar candles burning, the abbot who welcomed me by washing my hands, the sisters serving the most marginalised, and the thriving parishes at the heart of their communities. Still at the end of it all the question still nagged: had it been a pilgrimage?

A pilgrimage has been defined as “a journey to a shrine or sacred place” perhaps to see relics, or as “a journey or long search made for exalted or sentimental reasons”. I have little interest in shrines, none in relics and my impulses were neither exalted nor sentimental. At the start I was uncertain about what pilgrimage means today and whether it is feasible in secular Europe. I now think it is possible and worthwhile. For me a pilgrimage is an inner and outer search. It involves acceptance of the difficulties and discomforts that occur along the way rather than avoiding them or getting angry. It can be challenging for the traveller and perhaps for those he or she meets. It may also be an experience of being on the edge of society and its established structures. It involves allowing other people to define you: I was welcomed as a pilgrim, so I became one. But it seems to me that the most important aspect of pilgrimage is that it is not about arriving. R S Thomas wrote at the end of his poem Counterpoint:

I think that maybe

I will be a little surer

of being a little nearer.

That’s all. Eternity

is in the understanding

that that little is more than enough.

It was enough for me.

Walking the Becket Way to Canterbury

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 22:05:31 GMT

A Pilgrimage in Advent 2021

Introduction

I have long wanted to walk the Pilgrims’ Way from London to Canterbury. When I was growing up we had a book about the route in the house which I found fascinating. I asked my father if we could walk it together. He said “one day” but we never did, so I decided to undertake the pilgrimage in his memory during the Advent after his death.

Sunday 28th November - 1st Sunday in Advent: Southwark to Shooters Hill: 10.9 miles

I went to Mass at the Church of the Most Precious Blood in Southwark. I had lived in the presbytery for over two years during my time working for Caritas Social Action Network. The church had been renovated and was looking good, but the parish priest had decided to introduce the Ordinariate rite into a parish serving a cosmopolitan bunch of Catholics, few of whom I suspect had heard of the Church of England let alone the Ordinariate. This was the first week of the experiment and the Anglican prayers and antiquated language met with some confusion and few signs of enthusiasm.

I had already visited Southwark Cathedral and had my pilgrim passport stamped there so I picked up lunch in Borough Market and set off along Borough High Street on a bright winter’s day. I passed St George’s Church, where Henry V stopped on his way back from the Battle of Agincourt after visiting Becket’s shrine in Canterbury. The route follows the Old Kent Road, passing the historic Thomas a Becket pub where in the Canterbury Tales the pilgrims drew lots to decide who would tell the first tale. More recently Henry Cooper trained in a gym upstairs. Now it’s a Vietnamese restaurant, but the pub sign survives. I passed the two New Cross stations and then Deptford to reach Blackheath where I stood at the viewpoint looking back to the City and Southwark.

It was getting colder, and it was good to have a brisk walk across Blackheath and then up Shooters Hill. It was cold and I wanted a cup of tea, but nowhere was open. On the southside of the road was the impressive former Royal Herbert Hospital which was the first specially built military hospital in the country and the first, military or civilian, to utilise the pavilion design. It was inspired by Florence Nightingale and the architect was her nephew. Today it houses a leisure club and is being redeveloped as luxury flats.

I turned off the route and found my Airbnb in a terraced 1930s house just south of Eltham Common. Cherry, the owner had told me she would be out, so I found the key in the porch and let myself in. I was surprised that the radio was on and then to find a young woman cooking in the kitchen. She was a long-term lodger called Reza from Lithuania. The bedroom was tiny and had no tea making facilities, so I had a shower and set off to find somewhere to eat. I had a drink in the Red Lion, a noisy sports pub, but they had stopped serving food, so I went back down the hill and ate in a small Turkish restaurant.

Monday 29th November: Shooters Hill to Dartford: 14.8 miles

Next morning I met Cherry who told me of her Sunday afternoon’s adventure. A female friend who had been a fashion enthusiast had died recently and the bereaved husband had invited Cherry round for lunch and to choose any of her friend’s clothes she might like. Cherry gleefully showed me her loot: a stylish new coat, hats and some dresses. She speculated about how much the husband had spent on her late friend’s wardrobe and I got the impression she might be going back for the widower himself.

I set off early on a cold crisp morning across Eltham Common to Oxleas Wood where I had breakfast in a café. It was a friendly place, but the food was dull. I bought some bread pudding for lunch, which turned out to be a fortunate decision. The route took me down Shooters Hill, into Bexley, through suburban backstreets and woodland to reach the ruins of Lesnes Abbey, near Erith.

The morning had been delightful, and I decided to stop at the Abbey café for a coffee. I ordered and tried to pay when to my horror I couldn’t find my wallet. I emptied my pockets, checked the rucksack and searched the area, but no wallet. I rang Cath and cancelled the credit card, but I had also lost my ID, my cash and all my other cards. It wasn’t at the café and I had walked over 5 miles since then and the wallet could be anywhere along the route, much of which was woodland deep in dead leaves. There was no point in searching.

I drank my coffee and found two £1 coins in my trouser pocket. I offered them to the young woman serving, but she shook her head kindly: “Don’t worry, dear, you might need them”. I had been transformed from an independent hiker to a helpless object of pity, but I was determined to go on with the pilgrimage. The first plan was to get emergency cash from Ed’s account at a Tesco cashpoint machine in Erith.

I marched on, over the railway and busy A206, past the squat Erith Church to reach the Thames. Near here pilgrims from East Anglia once landed by ferry. There is still evidence of navigation on the river, but the waterfront is desolate with huge concrete tidal defences. I strode on through the dismal town centre and found a Tesco’s. Unfortunately the cash wouldn’t transfer, so my next hope was to could convince Nationwide in Dartford to let me have some money from our account.

I spent my last change on a drink, ate my bread pudding and strolled out across Crayford Marshes to the west bank of the River Darent, which flows into the Thames at Erith. This tributary would take me south to Dartford and then on to Otford the following day. The riverside path was diverted through an industrial area and then onto busy roads and finally the suburbs of Dartford. There I found a branch of Nationwide where the helpful manager allowed me to withdraw £250 despite my lack of physical ID. To compound the difficulties of the day I could not find my blood pressure medication. It took a forty-minute argument in Boots before the pharmacist would give me seven tablets as an emergency supply. My humiliation was complete when I found my tablets between the rucksack and the inner waterproof liner.

My overnight stay was at the eccentric Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel in the centre of Dartford. It’s a former coaching inn with rooms off a high bar area. Jane Austen and Queen Victoria stayed there. Unfortunately the manager wouldn’t accept a bank transfer, so I had to erode my precious supply of cash. They had no draft beer due to delivery problems, but the chilli con carne was good.

Tuesday 30th November - St Andrew’s Day: Dartford to Otford: 13.5 miles

The day was cloudy and there had been overnight rain, but I set off along the River Darent, passing a metallic silhouette of local lad Mick Jagger. The way passed graffitied bridges, much litter and a depressing amount of dog poo collected in little black bags and hung decoratively on wayside fences. Despite all this the river itself was remarkably unpolluted.

Once past the M25 the landscape became more rural with villages and small holdings. At South Darenth I stopped for coffee in a café and bought lunch. The café was opposite a former paper mill with an impressive chimney. It’s now flats. I walked on beside ponds to reach Farningham, where an ancient cattle screen crosses the river, and then along quiet lanes to reach Eynsford village. Here a recollection came back to me. One day when I was perhaps six years old my father and I went out for the day. He drove our Morris Minor and I sat in the back but pushed the front passenger seat forward and leant on that to talk to him as we went along. We first went to a cricket match and I recall sitting by the low fence. Then we went to a river and he lay on the bank and went to sleep while I paddled under a bridge and fished for minnows.

I had always thought that the location was nearby Otford, but when Cath and I visited that village a year or so before, it was clear that it wasn’t the location. Reaching Eynsford I realised that this was the place. I sat on a bench, ate my lunch, and wondered why he had taken me on this trip. It was unusual for just the two of us to go out, which must be why I remember the day. Then I spotted a sign to a sports club and walking up the lane came across the cricket ground from my memories. I expect that Dad had some reason for wanting to see the match, but that I had become bored and so he took me to the river to let me paddle as a diversion.

I retraced my steps back to the route and walked on to reach Lullingstone Roman Villa, which I visited. It dates from AD80. The family became Christians in the 4th Century and turned a room into a chapel. The impressive ruins are well maintained and explained. The Way took me on past Lullingstone Castle, once home to Henry VIII’s jousting champion, and still inhabited by the same family. Then on through pretty Shoreham with its artistic history and impressive church. In a single day’s walk I had passed a Roman Villa, Saxon and Norman churches, a Tudor gatehouse, and ancient Sir Mick.

There was a final section past a stud farm to reach Otford with its famous duck pond roundabout complete with a duck-house and a plethora of tearooms. Here the route from London converges with the longer path from Winchester. My destination was an Airbnb about a mile beyond the village on the original Pilgrims’ Way which is a busy lane at this point. I was welcomed by Laura and shown to a warm, comfortable annex of her detached 1920s house. She and her husband had four boys, but sadly one had died of leukaemia. When she realised I was walking she kindly brought me two freshly baked pain au chocolat for breakfast as well as her normal provisions. That evening I ate in a good Indian restaurant about 10 minutes’ walk away.

Wednesday 1st December: Otford to Wrotham: 6.3 miles and a visit to Rochester Cathedral

Laura had warned me that the “4x4 school run mums take no prisoners” so I took the backroads through Kemsing village rather than risk the official route. I have happy memories of Kemsing from stays at the Youth Hostel in the 1970s with school friends and my YHA group, but sadly, like so many, it’s closed now. The village is still delightful with arts & crafts houses around the ancient St Edyth’s Well, which commemorates the birth of the saint in 961 AD.

I visited the Church of St Mary, with its plain flint walls and square tiled tower. Inside it was an unexpected Anglo-Catholic gem with a restored rood screen and richly decorated choir and sanctuary. Several parishioners were decorating the church for Christmas and they were keen to hear about my walk and to stamp my pilgrim passport. I marched steadily on through the grounds of the impressive St Clere mansion, home of two former Governors of the Bank of England, and soon reached Wrotham. I checked into the Bull Inn, decorated with RAF memorabilia in honour of the many World War Two fighter pilots who visited from the nearby bases at Biggin Hill and West Malling. They would celebrate their victories in the bar and put stamps on the ceiling to mark each enemy plane downed.

It was early in the day, so I decided to take the bus and train to Rochester to visit the Cathedral. The bus arrived a bit late and I got on, but the driver could only accept cards. I explained why I only had cash and he kindly agreed to take me to Meopham station. There I was able to buy a return to Rochester using a £10 note.

The approach to Rochester was impressive, with views of the river, castle and Cathedral. There was a short walk up the pedestrianised main street, lined with interesting shops, to the Cathedral. Unfortunately for me they were holding a school carol service, but a kindly verger stamped my card and gave me a limited tour of the highlights.

The Cathedral is England's second oldest, founded in AD604 by Bishop Justus. The present building dates to 1083. There is a glorious Norman nave and one of the finest Romanesque facades in England. It became a major place of pilgrimage in the 13th century, following the death of William of Perth, a Scottish baker who was murdered nearby. His body was brought to the Cathedral and at his shrine, of which no trace remains, miracles were reported. I climbed the Pilgrim Steps, worn by the many thousands of medieval pilgrims.

I returned to Meopham by train but found there was no bus back to Wrotham for 90 minutes. Even then the driver might not let me travel for free. It was cold and there was no shelter or café, and this felt miserable until I remembered that I could pay for Uber using PayPal. I called a taxi and arrived back at the Bull in comfort and style.

Thursday 2nd December: Wrotham to Aylesford: 13.7 miles

It was possible for me to pay for my food and accommodation using the details of Cath’s credit card which relieved my money worries. Before leaving Wrotham I visited the 13th Century parish church of St George, with its impressive wide three aisles and rood screen. Thoughtfully there was a stamp for pilgrims to use.

It was a cold, clear morning with blue skies. I crossed the main road and followed paths across fields mostly given over to sheep. It was an idyllic English pastoral stroll hugging the contours of the hill. To the right and below me was the flat land of mid Kent, and above and to the left ancient woodlands covered the rising North Downs. The path rose to the hamlet of Upper Halling and then fell to cross the main road and railway to reach Halling itself, on the west bank of the River Medway. I bought a pork pie and an apple in a corner shop and sat munching these with Halling church behind me and the River in front. Occasional sea gulls swooped hoping for crumbs. Grannies pushed prams. It was beautiful and bracing.

Just in front of my picnic spot there was a ferry to the east side of the river and medieval pilgrims to Canterbury would have used it. It closed in 1963 so I took the route south through a modern housing estate, via a new road bridge over the Medway, then into Peters Village, a development of 1,000 homes between the river and the old Peters cement works. After the lonely Burnham Church the route was rather desolate, running between solar farms, disused industrial buildings, marshland and finally a sewage works.

I arrived in good time at Aylesford Priory, which is run by the Carmelite Friars. This is another place with memories for me, this time of primary school outings and of (rather boozy) secondary school retreats to the nearby Allington Castle, then run by the same Order. Aylesford was the principal house of the Carmelites from their arrival in Kent in 1242 until their expulsion under Henry VIII in 1538. They returned in 1949, restored the fine medieval courtyard and created new shrine chapels with striking modern ceramic artworks.

There were only three guests because of the pandemic, so a wing of the guest house to myself. My reading material had run out, but I found Bernard Cornwell’s Sharpe’s Trafalgar in the common room and luxuriated in a deep bath reading it. It was page turning stuff with evocative descriptions of life on board a Royal Navy warship of the times. Later I joined the community for Evening Prayer then wandered down to the village to eat in the pub.

Friday 3rd December: Aylesford to Lenham: 15.3 miles

I had an excellent breakfast in the Great Hall and set off on a cold, misty morning across industrial landscape to reach muddy fields. The route passed under the main A229 and up to reach a service station where I bought my lunch. Then on through woodland and across vineyards. Chapel Down has leased 388 acres of farmland in the area and plans to develop the largest vineyard in England. I saw many vines, and few hops during the rest of my walk,

At the village of Boxley there was a pub (closed) and church (open) but at Detling the church/pub situation was reversed, and I had a welcome coffee at the hospitable Cock Horse Inn which dates from the Tudor period. After Thurnham the Pilgrims’ Way mainly follows small, metalled lanes, and so the walking was dull for the rest of the day. The North Downs Way takes a higher route on footpaths, and this may be a better choice. After passing to the north of Harrietsham the Way skirts the former Marley tile factory. Tile production has ceased on the site, but something was going on. It was a relief to drop off the route and to arrive at bustling Lenham, which has a square, several pubs and a fish restaurant as well as a range of shops. It’s a small place but had the feel of a small market town. I was given a room in a modern annex to the Dog & Bear. I ate in the restaurant: the food and service were excellent.

Saturday 4th December: Lenham to Chilham: 13.3 miles

I set off back uphill to the route, this time on tracks. Just east of Lenham was a large cross, cut in the hillside to reveal the chalk. This is a memorial to those from the parish who died during the First World War. It was constructed by volunteers from the village, who excavated it by hand. Nearby was a wreath commemorating fifty-two men of the REME who were killed nearby by a V1 flying bomb in June 1944. Eighty more were injured. Their CO wrote:

“It was a beautiful sunny morning and there was no need for us to jump out of bed on Reveille. I was in the stables, used as a washroom, shaving, when I heard a noise, looked up and saw a doodlebug coming towards us. It was being shot at from behind by a fighter-bomber. I started shouting, “Take cover, take cover”. Then it hit the camp. The bomb struck the corner of a Nissen hut housing the soldiers. The blast took me off my feet. I picked myself up and wandered round to where the camp was, and it had all disappeared. The huts were all mangled together. There were blokes bombed to pieces, ripped apart.”

An active service burial took place that night in a mass grave in Lenham cemetery to avoid the risk of damaging morale. It must have been a ghastly business. I’m glad that seventy-seven years later someone took the trouble to hand write that note of remembrance and to climb the hill to place the wreath. The clouds lifted, raising my spirits, and a good track took me over gently rolling hills with views of the Great Stour River below and to the right. The wooded slopes of the North Downs were above and to the left.

I made good time and reached Boughton Lees by lunchtime. This was an open settlement around a triangular village green with a cricket pitch. On the north side was the Flying Horse pub. I left my rucksack on a bench outside and went in to buy some beer and crisps. The staff welcomed me warmly. Then I sat contentedly in the winter sunshine sipping the local bitter and eating my lunch. I felt blessed to be living in this time.

Boughton Lees is not a pretty village; no tourists will visit, but that day it was a perfect English scene of rural calm and unassuming homely buildings. As so often there were traditional features with historic roots: the round topped pub windows are called `Dering windows` in memory of Sir Edward Dering who escaped through a similar window during the English Civil War. They are characteristic of the few surrounding villages.

After lunch I wandered up the lane, conveniently named `Pilgrims Way` and took a path through woods to the isolated Boughton Aluph church. The porch has a fireplace which may have been provided for pilgrims to warm themselves. The Way joined the main road for a mile or so, and then diverged at the well-kept Godmersham Park estate, now the home of the British Dispensing Opticians College. There followed a section of the Way through woods that must have been unchanged for centuries and gave me the feeling of following in the footsteps of generations of pilgrims to Canterbury. Finally the path skirted the impressive Chilham Castle and brought me to the centre of the charming village of Chilham.

As I arrived in the village square the church bells were pealing, and people were walking down to the church. I followed them in and found a wonderful display of Christmas trees going on. Each one was sponsored by a local club or business and the collective effect was beautiful. There was cake, tea and mulled wine and a choir sang carols. The welcome was warm and genuine, and it was obvious that the parish was at the heart of the community. There was a pub beside the churchyard which had music on that night, but I stayed at the Woolpack Inn at the bottom of the main street in a cosy upstairs room.

Sunday 5th December – Second Sunday of Advent: Chilham to Canterbury: 10 miles

I had a quick early breakfast and set off briskly towards Canterbury to be in time for the 11am Mass at the Catholic church of St Thomas a Becket. The route was over rolling hills through apple orchards and a few fields for hops, passing caravan parks for migrant apple pickers. They were well maintained and organised and run by Romanian management. There were helpful signs telling the pickers about local facilities and sources of help. Soon there was my first view of Canterbury before the lane dropped down to Bigbury Oast.

I marched on through the outskirts of Canterbury and achieved my objective. The Mass was well attended with a youngish congregation. Afterwards the parish priest stamped my pilgrim passport. He had celebrated the requiem masses for my parent’s friends John and Maureen Sullivan and remembered them fondly.

The entrance to Canterbury Cathedral visitors’ centre said `Welcome` but was firmly locked, but there were people coming out of the exit, so I went in through the exit. I was stopped immediately, but when I explained that I was a pilgrim they welcomed me, stamped my passport and ushered me into the Cathedral precincts. Despite a lot of scaffolding it looked magnificent in the watery sunshine. The Holy Communion congregation had gone, and the tourists had not been allowed in, so I had the place to myself. The Cathedral was almost silent, and incense scented the air. Canon Andrew met me at the former shrine of St Thomas a Becket and said a prayer with me.

After visiting the shop and buying a few presents I spent my last few pounds on a delicious bowl of celeriac soup and set off for the station and the train to London. I had bought my ticket using PayPal but hadn’t realised that it was necessary to get a physical ticket using a credit card, which I did not have. The man in the ticket office was rude and totally unhelpful but his colleague on the gate let me through, warning me I would be liable for a penalty if accosted by a ticket inspector. A fine I would have no means of paying of course. Luckily there was no need to show my ticket on the train or at Beckenham Junction station.

I stayed that night at Mum’s house. Cath gave me the good news that a letter had arrived from the Metropolitan police informing me that my wallet had been found and could be collected at Plumstead Police Station. Next morning I got the letter printed off and took an Uber because public transport would have taken hours. To my great happiness I was reunited with my wallet, including the cash. The only fly in the ointment was that the kind person who had handed it in had left the wrong phone number, so I was unable to thank her. I walked out and, wanting to share my good fortune, treated the next homeless person I came across to a large coffee and a chicken bake (her choice, not mine).

Reflection

It had been a wonderful journey, despite the problems caused by my carelessness with my wallet. The Way had been easy to follow and full of interest. The Cicerone guidebook was excellent with just the right level of background information. The weather had been kind and the accommodation comfortable. I had eaten and drunk well and my kit had worked.

Undertaking a pilgrimage in Advent means that the daylight hours are short, and the weather could have been a problem. The positives are the lack of tourists and the challenge of the season. Any minor privations and difficulties were a good way of preparing for the joys and excesses of the Christmas season. I would walk the Pilgrims’ Way again or undertake another Advent pilgrimage. The solitude of the walk was a balm before the busy time ahead.

During these days I often thought of the tragic fate of the twenty-seven migrants who had drowned in the English Channel when their inflatable dingy capsized just four days before I set off. They were travellers as I was, but I contrasted my own privilege, good fortune and happy solitude with their desperate plight. I read of the proposed measures to prevent such disasters in the future from politicians and commentators from across the political spectrum. Nothing sounded realistic or likely to be effective. I could only be honest and accept that I did not know what could be done either. I can only hope that some way of managing the issue of migration will be found.

The Southwark Pilgrim Way is Ready to Walk!

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 19:53:07 GMT

The Romero Way, the Becket Way and the Augustine Camino

The Southwark Pilgrim Way is made up of three sections:

The Romero Way is from Southwark Catholic Cathedral to Southwark Anglican Cathedral. It has been walked by the Hearts in Search of God Project Lead Phil McCarthy

The Becket Way is from Southwark Anglican Cathedral to Aylesford Priory. It is a well established route with a guidebook written by Leigh Hatts and published by Cicerone.

The Augustine Camino is also a well established pilgrim way from Aylesford Priory to Ramsgate via Faversham and Canterbury.

Resources for the inner and outer journeys and details of how to find the walking guidance and GPX files can be found on the Southwark Pilgrim Ways pages of this website.

The Middlesbrough Pilgrim Way is Ready to Walk!

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 19:31:39 GMT

The Way of Our Lady of Osmotherley

The Way is from the Cathedral of St Mary, Middlesbrough to the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Osmotherley.

The route starts through south Middlesbrough, then crosses farmland to reach Roseberry Topping. The way then follows the Cleveland Way along the northern edge of the Cleveland Hills to Captain Cook's Monument. The Way descends to Kildale and passes through Battersby, Ingleby Greenhow, Great Broughton and Kirkby where food, accommodation and transport links can be found.

The Way returns to the Cleveland Way in a westerly direction to Lordstones and finally reaches the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Grace at Osmotherley. Pilgrims may also want to visit the Church of Our Lady of Mount Grace, in the Old Hall, North End, Osmotherley. A Mass centre was associated with the Old Hall from very early in the Recusant period. Today’s chapel in the top storey of the Old Hall is the latest witness to unbroken faith.

Resources for the inner and outer journeys, walking guidance and the GPX file can be found on the Middlesbrough page of this website.

The Northampton Pilgrim Way is Ready to Walk!

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 19:21:31 GMT

The Way of Our Lady of Guadalupe

A Pilgrim Way from the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate & St Thomas of Canterbury in Northampton to the shrines at Great Billing and Bedford.

The route passes Turvey with its Abbey and Monastery and Emmaus Village Carlton. For much of the route the Way follows rivers. It is relatively flat.

In 1531, Our Lady is said to have appeared in Guadalupe, Mexico as the pregnant Mother of God to a peasant named Juan Diego. She left an image of her appearance on his cloak, which still exists in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. A replica of this image can be seen in the Church of the Holy Child & St Joseph in Bedford.

Resources for the inner and outer journeys, walking guidance and the GPX file are available on the Northampton page of this website.

The Hallam Pilgrim Way is Ready to Walk!

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 19:12:46 GMT

The Padley Martyrs Way

The Way is from the Cathedral of St Marie in Sheffield to the Diocesan Shrine of the Chapel of the Padley Martyrs at Upper Padley.

The Chapel is on the site of Padley Hall where Frs. Nicholas Garlick and Robert Ludlum were arrested on the charge of being Catholic priests. They were taken to Derby and executed there in July 1588.

The route passes the Anglican Sheffield Cathedral and then heads through the University of Hallam area to exit the City along Porter Brook through Endcliffe Park. After passing the Norfolk Arms at Ringinglow the route ascends Houndkirk Moor and then descends beside Burbage Brook to reach Upper Padley and the Martyrs Chapel in the Hope Valley.

Resources for the inner and outer journeys as well as walking guidance and the GPX file are available on the Hallam page of this website.

The Leeds Pilgrim Way is Ready to Walk!

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 19:04:59 GMT

The St Wilfrid's Way

The St Wilfrid’s Way was established in 2016 by Stephen Habron and has been walked by a Diocesan group every year since on the weekend closest to the feast of St Wilfrid. It follows old paths, public bridleways and footpaths, transformed railway lines, riverside walks, and green spaces in urban areas. It is relatively flat.

Resources for the inner and outer journeys as well as walking guidance and the GPX file are available from the Leeds page of this website.

The Clifton Pilgrim Way is Ready to Walk!

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 18:36:00 GMT

The Way of Our Lady of Glastonbury

The Clifton Diocese Way has been walked by Phil McCarthy, the Hearts in Search of God Project Lead.

A Way is from the Cathedral of SS Peter & Paul in Clifton, Bristol to the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Glastonbury.

The Way leaves Bristol over the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, then through parkland and beside the ring road until it climbs to Dundry. The path then descends to Chew Magna, where the Church of the Sacred Heart is visited. The Way passes on over the Mendips to reach the Church of SS Joseph & Teresa at Wells and Wells Cathedral. The route continues, following the Monarch’s Way over quiet countryside to reach the site of the martyrdom of the Blessed Richard Whiting, the last Abbot of Glastonbury, at the spectacular Glastonbury Tor. There is a final descent to reach the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey and the Shrine of Our Lady of Glastonbury in the Church of St Mary.

Resources for the inner and outer journeys, walking guidance and the GPX file are available from the Clifton page on this website.

The Arundel & Brighton Pilgrim Way is Ready to Walk!

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 18:12:19 GMT

The Way of Our Lady of Consolation

The Way is from the Cathedral of Our Lady & St Philip Howard in Arundel to the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation at West Grinstead.

The Way passes the ruins of Greyfriars Friary and skirts the grounds of Arundel Castle, home of the Dukes of Norfolk, before crossing the South Downs to reach the Church of Our Lady of England and the Chemin Neuf community at Storrington. The route continues in a north-eastern direction and traverses quiet countryside by track and lane to reach the Shrine at West Grinstead. Our Lady of Consolation is one of the earliest names for Jesus’ mother Mary and dates from the 2nd century.

Resources for the inner and outer ways, walking directions and the GPX file can be downloaded from the Arundel & Brighton page of this website.

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Walking for the St Francis Leprosy Guild!

Phil McCarthy, Hearts in Search of God project lead

St Francis Leprosy Guild

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641 miles walked and 21,257 feet climbed over 45 days on 4 Ways 20 Perpetual Pilgrims walked the full distance joined by over 250 Day Pilgrims

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Resources

News, Stories & Events

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The St Francis Leprosy Guild believes that a leprosy-free world is within sight; if not today, then soon.

641 miles walked and 21,257 feet climbed over 45 days on 4 Ways
20 Perpetual Pilgrims walked the full distance joined by over 250 Day Pilgrims

St Matthew's Way route